Page 144 of Run Away Home: Tempered

“Got it.” I head into the kitchen.

“Don’t forget your cleats today. I’m not going to have any time to drop them off at school.”

“I left them in my gym locker.”

“All right. Good. You should only bring your uniform home on Friday so we can wash it. Other than that, keep it at school, please.”

Yeah, yeah, yeah... I’m much more concerned about what’s happening with Hayley than with laundry.

I grab the brown bag out of the fridge and throw in a granola bar. When I get back to the living room, Peter’s got his coat on, all ready to go.

“You don’t have to walk me to the bus stop.”

“Yes, I do. Just for this week. I have to.”

“Ugh,” I moan.

“How about I stay at the end of the block? No one will even know I’m there. I’m not that embarrassing anyway, am I? I never thought I’d be an embarrassment. It’s kind of funny, actually.”

“No. You’re not embarrassing. It’s just that I feel like everyone knows something’s wrong.”

He puts his hand on my back. “Nothing will be wrong. Not on Wednesday. Everything will be normal, for once. I promise you.”

“Okay.” I pick up my backpack.

It’s going to be such a long day, such a long week...

Peter

Drinks tonight?

Are you serious?

Kind of

What about work?

You can come to the bar, and we can drink there

You really think it’s a good idea to get drunk at work again, Peter?

No. I think that’s a horrible idea.

I think getting tipsy at work is a good idea.

You are not funny. This has to stop.

You are being so lame, Kara. I haven’t had a drink in a long time. I need one right now.

No. You’re being lame. You’re the one that always says you’re going to get fired.

I know, but I’m so stressed out lately. Even more so than usual.

What’s going on?

Can we talk about it over drinks?

No. We’re not drinking.

---