Page 27 of Hot Four Teacher
“Maybe…”
“Dane, you were five minutes away last time. If that would have been my time to go, it would’ve been my time. You can’t interfere with God’s plan.”
I cock an eyebrow at him. “Since when did you become religious?”
“Since I had a heart attack that was supposed to kill me. I should not have come out on the other side. But I did. I have to think I have someone looking out for me. Whether that be God or fate or the universe, I don’t know. But I’m grateful to whoever or whatever it was.”
“I just worry about you, Pops.”
“I assure you I’ll be okay. I like it here. You go live your life and come visit when you can.”
We both fall silent for a moment before he says, “Now, I hate to kick you out, but they’re about to start a movie down in the rec room. They’re showing Animal House, and I don’t want to miss it.”
“You like Animal House?”
“No, IloveAnimal House.”
Didn’t see that one coming.
“Alright, alright. You call me if you needanything,and I’ll be here. But you know, it’ll just take longer. Just remember…that’ll be your fault.”
He laughs. “I’ll just have to live with the consequences of my decisions.”
***
Twenty minutes later, Dad and I have said our goodbyes, and I’m on the road back to Lilly Leaf Falls.
I knew going to talk to him would probably be a lost cause, but I had to try. He and I finally have a decent relationship, and I don’t want to lose any ground we’ve gained. I guess I’ll just have to make more of an effort to go see him.
As I’m driving, I try not to dwell on it and instead focus my attention elsewhere.
Michelle.
Ever since I left her last night, she’s taken up residence within my thoughts.
I really want to get to know her better. That probably sounds insane considering we only spent a couple of hours together. And she was drunk for most of that.
Still, I liked her.
After I left, I felt bad that I didn’t stick around longer. Maybe I should’ve stayed to make sure that she was okay. But I’m sure that her being practically naked would’ve made for an awkward conversation when the alcohol wore off. I didn't want to make her uncomfortable.
I wish I could call her and see how she’s doing, but we didn’t exchange numbers.
Damn.
Guess I’ll have to think of something else.
Chapter ten
Did you?
Michelle
“The detectives discovered that the killer was none other than the butler,” the narrator on the true crime show explains.
“No fucking way,” I mumble.
I finally managed to get Ronnie out of here this morning. I love my sister, but she’s quite a lot to handle when I’m feeling fine, let alone when I’m hungover.
