L E V I
To my surprise, Doug was sitting across from my usual seat again the next day.
He was once again thumbing through his phone while chewing on a sandwich, when I approached the table. Upon seeing him, my brows rose, and my nose scrunched up slightly. Now this was getting to be a bit weird. I guess I can get how he might have sat near me once, but doing it again today? One of the thoughts I had yesterday crawled its way to the forefront of my mind.
No one would actually want to be your friend.
While that might be true, it doesn't explain why Doug is sitting where he is.
Doug finally looked up from his screen, and at catching sight of my inquisitive look, he silently offered a Mentos packet. Where did that even come from?
Tentatively taking a piece, I put it in my mouth before 'voicing my thoughts.'
"What's your reason for sitting here today?" I asked, setting down my lunch tray.
Somehow, his accent was still clear through a mouthful of food. "Can't be arsed to find somewhere else to sit," he replied simply. "Everyone else talks too much."
A small smile graced my lips.
"Alright then," I laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Doug just smirked.
~*~
Eli and I had just arrived at Aiden's day care to pick him up for the day, and the pitter-patter of tiny footsteps was all I heard before something slammed into my waist.
"Ouch" I groaned, glancing down at Aiden. "There's no need to try to knock me down." The toddler smiled at me then unlatched himself from my me.
I took hold of his tiny hand as he began to chatter about his day. I wasn't really interested in how Sally was a tattletale, or what type of goldfish they gave out as a snack, but I listened anyway. We were about to head toward the exit where Eli was waiting, when a voice from behind me made me stop.
"Ah, Levi! Could I speak with you for a moment?" Miss Sherry asked, folding her arms.
I blinked. The tone she was using meant that it was something serious, and I wasn't in the mood for serious. In fact, I was planning on having a relaxing evening - one without anything to stress over. But then again, I couldn't exactly say no.
"Of course." I replied. I then directed my words to the toddler standing next to me. "Aiden, go to Eli, I'll be there in a moment."
After he scampered off, I turned my attention back to Miss Sherry. "Is there something wrong?"
"Actually, there is a problem. . ." she hummed, glancing around, before focusing all of her attention me. Her deep brown eyes seemed to be analyzing me, and I don't like it one bit.
"Is everything alright at home?"
I froze.
Is everything alright at home?
Those are words I dread, because it means I'll have to bend the truth. I'm not proud of lying to people who seem to actually care for my well-being, but a secret is a secret. This'll be just one of the many times I've had to do this. Sighing inwardly, I started my charade.
Letting confusion flash over my face, I frowned slightly.
"At home? Yeah, we're fine." I replied. I made sure to sound a little uncertain, as if I didn't know how to respond to that question. Most people wouldn't, since why wouldn't they be fine?
"Are you sure? I haven't heard from your mother in a while. Is she okay?" Miss Sherry continued to press.
"Mom's fine, she's just working a ton," I replied, shifting on my feet. "She works really late shifts and all that. I don't think anything's wrong. . ." I trailed off.
Miss Sherry sighed. "If you say so Levi." She changed the subject. "Are you guys bringing Aiden to the picnic on Sunday? Almost everyone will be there."
"Yeah, Aiden's really excited to go," I grinned. "Mom probably won't be able to come though."
"That's fine. Just ask her to send you with some type of dish, okay?"
"Will do, Miss Sherry. Have a good afternoon," I affirmed while nodding, trying to get out of the conversation. Talking about mom sends a pang through my chest. A pang of what, exactly, I'm not sure.
"Take care Levi," She replied. I had the feeling that she still wasn't convinced, but I'm glad she didn't continue to prod.
Because at one point, I'm not sure I would have had the courage to continue to lie to her face. With most people, there wasn't an actual emotional connection between us when I did lie to them, but Miss Sherry was a genuinely nice person. We had known her for a couple of years, and she was almost like a grandmother to us at times - sending Aiden home with freshly baked cookies, constantly asking how our day was, and just keeping an eye on us in general.
Shaking myself from my thoughts, I made my way over to my little siblings, mentally going over the ingredients we had at home.
I guess it's a pasta dinner tonight.
-----
Hello, guys!
I know this chapter is quite short, but it - like the next couple - are just stepping stones to when the story really starts to pick up.
So be patient! The filler will soon vanish into the wind.
Also, thank you for all the new reads on this book, and thank you to those who continue to comment and vote. Every bit of support is appreciated!
Stay safe everyone, and I'll see you soon :)
- rain.
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Left Behind | ONGOING |
General Fiction14-year-old LEVI PARSONS had it all worked out. He would do well in school - good enough to get a scholarship to a nearby college - and get a better job to take care of his younger siblings. All while acting as if his mother didn't leave them to fe...
