Across the Maps

Chapter 20

"Uh...hey Jeremy," I say, having a hard time keeping my voice steady.

"Uh..." he pauses and gazes down at Cole, who staring at him with his large green eyes. "Hey," Jeremy says, quietly.

Jeremy stands there for a little while, not knowing what to say. Finally he speaks, "Some of my friends wanted me to go and sit with them today so..." He trails off.

"Oh ok. See you later," I say, my voice relieved and sad at the same time. I have a feeling Jeremy won't sit with me as long as Cole is here. I let out a sad sigh and turn to Cole.

He's sitting there staring at his sandwich quietly. "So," I exclaim, trying to make conversation. "How's your day been so far?"

"Fine," is all he says. I expect him to say more, but he doesn't. He just sits there, his body slumped into the chair.

The rest of lunch Cole picks at his lunch. "You should eat," I comment, watching him.

"I'm not hungry," he mutters.

"So." I retort. "It's not good to skip lunch."

"Whatever," Cole murmurs, picking at his food.

The bell rings and I am happy that lunch is over. Cole and I head to our lockers, grabbing our stuff, and amble to class.

The day drags on so slowly it feels like a week has gone by. Seventh and eighth period are horrible. I have both Jeremy and Cole in my class. Jeremy sits beside me and Cole sits two desks away from Jeremy.

Mrs. Holland's voice is loud when she teaches and I cringe, for my ears feel like they're going to explode.

We finish class five minutes early an Jeremy turns around to face me. "Hey," he speaks softly.

"Um hi," I answer.

"Do you wanna hang out this weekend?" he questions, nervous and uncertain.

"I'm not sure," I say," sneaking a peek at Cole, who is gazing into space like he's hypnotized.

"Oh," Jeremy's voice is sad and I instantly feel bad.

"Well maybe we can," I quickly speak, feeling bad for turning him down.

He smiles and replies, "I'd like that. My house or yours?"

"Yours." I don't want him over with Cole living there. It'd be awkward and weird.

"Okay," he smiled a large grin.

The bell rings and everyone rushes out of class. I turn around to see Cole standing beside me.

"Ready?" I ask.

"Yeah. I guess." His voice sounds distant like he's somewhere else.

We pile into the car. Paisley rides in the passenger seat, Cole and I are in the middle, and Hallie is alone in the back.

"So Cole," Mom says as she pulls out of the parking lot. "How was your first day of school."

"Great," he lies, but only I notice it. His voice is steady and if I didn't know him better than I would have thought he actually had a good day.

"That's good." Mom replies, smiling, her perfect white teeth shining.

When we get home, Cole scurries into his room, where he stays for half the night until I saunter across the hall and knock on his door.

"Who is it?" he asks, his voice muted a little.

"Wimberly," I answer.

"Come in," he says, his voice low.

I open the door and step inside. Cole is stretched out on his couch, the tv remote in his hand. He is channel
surfing, his eyes focused on the screen.

"Hey," I say, leaning against the door frame, my eyes gazing at him.

"No offense, but what do you want?" he asks and I am hurt by his words.

"Just wondering how you're doing."

"I'm fine," he snaps.

"You're lying," I speak and turns to me for a split second and I see his blazing green eyes.

"It doesn't matter," he snaps.

"Yes it does," I insist, hoping he will tell me what's wrong.

"Seriously, it doesn't matter," he says.

"Okay fine," I say, standing strait up. "You don't have to tell me what's wrong, but if you do, you know where to find me."

I exit the room, gently closing the door behind me. I don't know bothering Cole, but I've never seen him like this so it must be pretty big. And I hope, he trusts me enough to tell me.

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