He sighs deeply and opens the door. "Yeah, sure. Thanks, houseguest." I guess that's my new name.
Now he's off, and I can head straight to Jolly Joe's because I'm starving, and I need carbs because screw my health kick. I've found myself in a situation that is beyond normal. Probably, I should avoid adding houseguest to my name before this turns into a muddled mess with Holden that I willingly agreed to.
Driving off, I glance in my rearview mirror and notice Harry walking slowly before two boys come up to him, and my stomach churns when I see them shove him. They clearly are not friends.
I shouldn't involve myself. Harry and Lori must already be confused by my presence, but Holden really does seem desperate when it comes to them.
"No, Lexi, don't do it," I mumble to myself aloud. But that's only a mere second before I decide fuck it, bullying is bullying.
I slam the brakes and swing open my door, not a care in the world that I'm blocking the car line of fearful drivers at the mercy of the traffic cop. As I storm over to Harry, I hear the traffic lady yelling at me to move, but I don't care.
On my approach, I hear one boy. "You should be good at hockey like your dad, but instead you're weird. You shouldn't even be here. This is a sports school, weirdo."
I arrive and place my hand on Harry's shoulder who is staring at the ground. "Everything okay here, boys?"
The two boys look at me strangely. "We were just telling our friend that science class will be great later, weren't we?"
Before Harry can answer, I pull him back closer to me. "Sure you were." My skepticism is in full force.
In my peripheral view, I see another mom arrive, and her tight dress is distracting. I can't even imagine what the guys from the high school football team must think. "Everything okay here? My son and his friends are just speaking with Harry." She throws me a fake bright smile.
"Yeah, sure. These little youngsters over here are holding up the values of Lake Spark Academy to the highest standard." My disapproval runs strong.
The lady holds her hand out to shake. "I'm Kate McClearly, I don't believe we've met."
That name rings a bell, not sure why, but my weariness is on alert. "A pleasure." I'm sarcastic and don't offer her my hand.
Her hand falls, and her face screws up. "You must be the new childcare for the West kids."
"I am not." I don't bat a lash.
"Oh?" She wasn't expecting my answer.
Harry speaks up. "She's my dad's houseguest."
Yikes, that came out with many ways to interpret.
Kate straightens her posture, clearly agitated. "I didn't realize that Holden hasa new…friend."
I just stare at her and keep my face straight. "Shall we focus on these boys with demon qualities?"
Her jaw drops. "Demons is a little harsh, considering the children that you must be around as Holden's…. guest," she says rather dryly.
I keep my hands on Harry's shoulders to stay calm. "So, what about those Academy values? Would you like me to find the principal to discuss these boys’ exemplary behavior or would you prefer to talk to these boys about showing kindness and respect?"
She brings her hair to her side. "We know how boys are at this age. It's just a little back-and-forth."
"If that's what you would like to tell yourself due to your bad parenting, then by all means repeat that mantra. Wait…" I snap my fingers. "Aren't you the mom that Lori had words with?"
Kate's face shades with disdain. "Yes, my daughter is in her class, and it was Lori who exemplified bad parenting." Her smile is now contrite.
"Okay, maybe she didn't say the right things, but she didn't shove you. So swallow your pride about your child's shitty behavior and take the high road, lady."
She gasps, and I notice kids and a group of moms congregating around us. "You have some nerve. You do one school drop-off and now you are the expert of these fine students at our school?"
I bring a hand to my hip as Harry walks to Lori who joined the circle. "Let me guess, you’re a PTA mom."
"Head of it, actually."
