Page 4 of As They Are
My hand went to the back of my neck. “Um, I don’t think I’m as cool as you think I am.” I gestured to the old boards. “I ... kinda got in trouble for taking this thing apart myself. I broke it.”
Mollie blinked. “You gotallof those boards off withjust your hands?”
“The first one broke when I sat on it, but the rest were because I was mad.”
“Holyshit—I mean, wow! You’re so strong.”
“But I broke the playground that you love.”
“Technically, time made it super weak. If it wasn’t you, it could have been some little kid. Plus, you fixed it. Now it’s as good as new.”
I looked over at my work. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”
“You’re good at fixing things.”
I slowly nodded, realizing that for the first time since I came to stay with Mom, I felt ... okay. Like I wasn’t miserable.
“Is there anything else that’s broken?” I asked.
Mollie thought about it. “I think the tennis court net is messed up. Wanna go see?”
“Yeah, I do. Lead the way.”
I followed Mollie and stayed out until way past sunset, trying to figure out how to fix the net. Mom didn’t come and check on me until after nine when Ginnie was in bed.
“So, you fixed it.” Her hands were on her hips. “At least I won’t get fined for it.”
“Did I do a good job?”
“It looks about like what a fourteen-year-old can do.”
“Hi!” Mollie said. “Are you Wren’s mom? I’m her friend.”
“You’re the Wilsons’ daughter, aren’t you?” Mom tapped her chin. “You’re a good kid. Did she ask you for help?”
“No, she did it all and I watched.”
Mom looked in between us as if sniffing out a lie. I twisted my hands. I let Mollie carry some stuff. Did that count?
“Anyway, you need to take your little friend home and clean up. Your dad is on his way.”
“He’s on his way? But you said you wouldn’t call him if I fixed it.”
“I can’t have a destructive teenager near my daughter. You went way too far today, so I called him the second I was finishedpatching Ginnie up.” She shook her head. “I hope you learned your lesson.”
“But I—” I didn’t get to reply. Mom turned and walked off without another word.
“Whoa, she’s kinda mean.” Mollie’s voice was quiet.
“Yeah, a little. Sorry we won’t get to hang out more.”
“I’ll find you at school, don’t worry. We’ll be besties there.”
“Are you sure you wanna hang out with me?”
“Um,duh.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m so nervous for my first day. But now I can go in and know I have a friend.”
Despite everything, I smiled. Normally, I didn’t believe someone when they made a promise, but I hoped that this time it was true.
