Star burrows into my side and starts playing with a strand of my hair. The soothing motion of the bus has me feeling sleepy myself, but I fight against it. Thankfully, it only takes fifteen minutes to make it back. We hop off and walk the last little bit back to the house. I slow when we get closer, spotting a bike out front. I hesitate when I realize it isn’t one I recognize.
When I turn to look at the door, I find Capone sitting on the top step watching me.
“Um…hi?” I don’t know Capone all that well, though he’s always been polite to me.
“Hey. Is now a good time?”
“I don’t know. A good time for what?”
He frowns, getting to his feet. “Tink said you needed some tutoring. I’m pretty good with science, so I offered.”
“Oh. Okay. Um?—”
“You had no idea I was coming, did you?”
I shake my head. “No. I wouldn’t have made you wait if I’d known.”
“Dammit, your sister was supposed to let you know. We can reschedule. It’s no problem.”
“No, it’s fine. I just need to get Star fed first before she falls asleep.”
He cocks his head, a dozen questions in his eyes. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“You comfortable with being alone with me right now?”
Instinctively, I take a step back.
“That’s what I thought. Give me a second, yeah? You go on in and do what you’ve gotta do, I’ll wait out here for now.”
I open my mouth to tell him it’s fine, but his expression leaves no room for arguing. “Okay, thanks.” I skirt around him and wait for him to move away before letting myself in and closing the door behind us. I put the chain on and pause. I feel like an asshole. He’s never done anything to me, and yet, I can’t bring myself to take it back off again.
As I stare through the spy hole, I think about the number Lauren gave me, and pull out my cell phone. I can’t fix something without the right tools. Maybe it’s time to admit I need a little more help.
I dial the number before I can talk myself out of it. It rings a few times, just long enough for me to consider hanging up, when a man’s voice answers.
“Dr. Brown’s office, how can I help you?”
“Oh, um…I was given this number earlier. They recommended Dr. Brown to me.”
“Okay, do you wish to make an appointment? I’m sorry, what did you say your name was?”
“Citlalli Dillion.”
There is a pause before he speaks. I can’t help but assume he recognizes my name. I don’t know if I’m being paranoid or stupid, but it’s hard not to look over my shoulder every two seconds.
“Okay, I can fit you in on Friday at 4 pm or Monday at 2:30.”
“Friday, please,” I answer without giving it much thought. Again, the less time I have to overthink things, the less likely I am to talk myself out of going.
“No problem, you’re all booked in. Would you like me to text this number with the address and directions?”
“That would be great, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. See you Friday.”
He hangs up, and I take a deep, steadying breath. Am I nervous? Absolutely. But I’m also proud of myself. Hopefully, this time, it will all work out.
