She looked surprised and hesitated before slowly walking over to me. She was hugging some books to her chest, her hands white with how tightly she held the books.
“You didn’t have to come here and wait for me,” she muttered. “You already said thank you.”
I chuckled, wondering if she felt nervous around me. Her eyes only met mine for a few seconds before looking away.
“I know I did. But you shouldn’t have lied and said that I didn’t copy you, either. Come on; I’ll take you home. I can explain things for you at home, too, if you’d like.”
Her eyes widened, flickering up to meet mine.
“I thought you didn’t want to get stuck with detention,” she blurted out. “It’s late already; you can leave me, I’ll find a way home.”
“That’s not what I said. If I get detention, then the teacher would ask to talk to my parents. Besides, it doesn’t matter how late I get home. Just let me take you.”
I led the way outside, slow at first to make sure she was following. We walked to the student parking lot and over to my car. It was so late, only a few cars were left in the lot, and I noticed when she stopped some feet away.
“Come on,” I said, unlocking the door. “Get in.”
She slowly shook her head. “Your car looks, um, new.”
“I’ve had it for a few months, now,” I said slowly. “Is that a problem?”
I said months, but it was brand new. I got a car for my birthday when I turned sixteen, but for my last year of high school, I wanted a new car, since I’d be going off to college with it in less than a year. My family was rich, anyway, so the expense was worth it.
Anita didn’t say a word, just shook her head and came closer. I opened the door for her, closing it behind her, then got inside.
“You’ll have to give me directions,” I told her.
She murmured. “Okay.”
I started the car and pulled out of the lot. She directed me to an area I’d never been to before, in the opposite direction from where I lived. I frowned when I noticed the surroundings. It was one of those bad neighborhoods, the kind you’d see on TV, but I’d never seen it in real life. There were a few people on the street, and I noticed how everyone looked at my car.
When I checked, I realized the few cars that I saw were parked against the curb, and they all looked old and worn down, much like most of the buildings.
“Drop me off here,” Anita said quietly.
I looked and saw where she pointed, then parked the car in a free spot and turned off the engine. I eyed a group of boys hanging around the entrance to an apartment building a bit ahead. They were staring right at us.
“Let me walk you to your place,” I offered.
“No way,” she said immediately.
I frowned. “Why?
She looked embarrassed. “Someone might steal your car or something. Thanks, but you can leave now.”
Before I could say anything more, she jumped out of the car and ran off. I watched her until she disappeared from view, then turned my car around and got out of there.
Chapter Seven
Evan
I woke up early in the morning. Not because I remembered to set my alarm clock. These days, I didn’t even need to.
My parents were arguing, and even with my door closed, the noise was hard to muffle. I groaned and rolled off the bed, and went to take a shower. Not for the first time, I was glad to have my own bathroom. I didn’t have to get out there with them to get ready. I was ready way too soon, and I picked up my stuff. It was too early for school, but I couldn’t stay there anymore.
Mom and Dad had moved their argument downstairs. I heard something like glass break and hurried over. I stuck my head into the kitchen, but it was nothing. A glass just fell, and neither of them noticed. Mom was probably the one who threw it. I looked at her, and it took less than a second to realize she was drunk.
Mom? Already? My thoughts turned sour and I knew my day was ruined already.