Page 9 of Right in Front of You

“I don’t think Doctor Burke likes me.”

“He’s just getting old. But he’s a good doctor.”

“He is. Do you know why he gave me condoms?”

I saw Molly blush from the side. “I bet he gives them to all the boys – you know, he just wants to make sure that everyone stays safe.”

“Then girls should carry condoms as well. Maybe I should give you some, so you can stay safe.”

“Oh, I’m fine. Thank you. I’m not planning on having sex anytime soon.”

“Well, I wasn’t planning to either, and here I am, stuck with rubber that will expire before I get to use it.”

Molly chuckled and I grinned.

“So, you’re sure you’re okay?” I asked.

“Yeah, I think so.”

“What were you two talking about for so long? You want to study at his office?”

“Well, I’m thinking that I might become a nurse, so I can help others the way Doctor Burke does.”

“That’s a great idea.”

“And he thinks I have it in me.”

“Well, he’s a smart guy, and I agree with him. You do have it in you.”

“Thanks, Carter. You’re a really good friend.” She looked nervously at the door behind her. “I should get going. Mamma’s going to be worried if I’m not in soon.”

“You sure you don’t want me to come in and explain the knees?” I knew from experience that if something happened, it was always better to come in with a friend. Parents had a harder time laying into you with a friend at your side.

“No. I’m sure Nathan is sleeping. And I don’t think father will show up for a while.”

I wondered whether she knew about the gun and what her father had been up to at the pub.

“Carter, can we keep what happened tonight between the two of us? I don’t want anyone at school to know about him.”

“You mean your father—”

“—drinking.”

I nodded. “Yes, of course we can.” Maybe she didn’t know about the gun after all.

“I mean, can we actually never mention it again? You know, I don’t want anyone making fun of me for falling.”

“How are you going to explain those scraped knees?” I asked.

“I think I might stay home until they heal.”

“No way. Everyone’s going to miss you at school. It’s year end, and we don’t do much work. And Mr. Simmons promised us a few movies. They’ll ask questions if you don’t show up.”

“It shouldn’t take longer than a week to heal.”

“Doesn’t matter. Blame me for your knees. I don’t mind. Just don’t miss out because of a silly fall.”

She lowered her head.

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