“Hey, so I’ve been meaning to ask you, why did you move out here if you’re not going toschool?”
Now it was my time to feel uncomfortable. I debated on whether or not I was going to brush it off, but part of me actually wanted to talk about it. I hadn’t talked to anyone since moving here and I was stillstruggling.
“I was planning on going to UF, University of Florida,” I clarified. “But my mom died right after graduation and I didn’t think it would be such a good idea anymore. Then my grandma suggested I come out here and take some time off to try and establish a relationship with my dad. And I’m actually not sure what my plan is anymore.” I took a deep breath, realizing my words were coming out faster andfaster.
“Oh, Katie.” Gwen’s face softened and her expression was one I had seen too manytimes.
“Gwen, I’m sad and it’s awful, but I can’t dothatlook.”
“What look?” she asked,confused.
“Pity. I’ve seen enough of it to last a lifetime andthensome.”
“Sorry. No more look, I promise. I just wish I would have known. You shouldn’t have to bear that lossalone.”
“It’s not like it’s the perfect introduction.Hi, my name is Katie. My mom just died and I’m still working through a lot of issues. Wanna bebesties?”
She laughed in response. “I guess not. But let’s be besties anyway. Just promise you’ll come to me when you’re readytotalk.”
“Deal.”
“Now let’s pretend the world is made of rainbows and butterflies and enjoy our drinks. Maybe even a movie marathon, if we’re feelingbrave.”
“That would beperfect.”
I loved that about Gwen. She didn’t push, but didn’t let me wallow in it ether. I still wondered about Julian, but decided I could take a break and enjoy this time with my self-proclaimed bestfriend.
ChapterTen
Julian
Iwas notin the mood today to deal with any extra crap. I had gotten some weird texts from Marco in the middle of the night. He was angry about something. The texts were filled with so many typos I could barelydecipherthem.
It made me assume he was either drunk or high, maybe some combination of the two. I wasn’t sure what he was doing these days. I assumed he was living at a friend’s place. I waited for him to reach out to talk to me. He never did. Marco only talked to me when he wanted something or wanted to let off somesteam.
It waskillingme.
So when I woke up that morning, I was already on edge. My mom was lying on the couch watching her daytime shows. The fact she wasn’t yelling was a plus, for sure. But I couldn’t decide which was better. The angry, but still full of energy mom or the quiet, I’ve given up on life version. Neither one was my mom, just the worst parts of her in the mostextremeform.
I went to brew some coffee, only to find the can empty. I opened the fridge, it was sparse, as well. When I went to start up the car, it wasonE.
Damn it alltohell.
I didn’t think I should use my last five dollars to put gas in the tank, considering it was a Wednesday and I wouldn’t get my big payout until Friday. So I got out and made my way down thestreet.
It was a three mile walk from my house, and I could get to work in less than an hour. And while there were very few trees on the way, it was September, and the weather had been getting cooler. It meant if I took my time, I would show up to work relatively sweat and odor free. That would change once I hit the kitchen. But there was something about walking in the door feelingdecent.
As I passed by Katie’s house, I couldn’t help but look over. I wasn’t sure what Tyler and his friends said to her the other night, but I knew it was along the lines of the normal crap they pulled. I also knew Katie had walked over to the table happy to see Tyler, but after whatever happened, she had gone straight to talk to Mike. I hadn’t seen hersince.
I wanted to talk to her. I couldn’t explain it, but the more time had passed from that night, the more I actually wanted to letherin.
My phone buzzed from my pocket and I pulleditout.
“What do you want,Marco?”
“Oh, little brother, is that anyway to greet me?” I kept the phone near my ear, but didn’t speak. I waited for him to say what he called to say. He was impatient and I knew he would break the silence first. It took a matter of seconds. “Fine, what are you doing right now?” heasked.
“I’m walkingtowork.”
