Because of the fire.

chapter ten

"that was really quick," Earl said as he closed his books.

"two brains are always better than one."

We were sitting on the carpet in the lounge and we'd finished English literature, chemistry, English language homework already.

"for the rest of the evening I'll be tackling French, Physics and Geometry."

I grimaced, "sounds really difficult."

"of course you'd say that."

"Tracy!" mom called from the kitchen.

"I'm coming," I said getting up.

The smell of meatballs and spaghetti wafted through the air and I immediately realized how hungry I was.
"dinner will be served in five, ask Earl if he wants to stay."

"okay."

I went back to the lounge, "mom wants to know if you are willing to stay for dinner."

He looked thoughtful for a moment then said in a whisper, "is it okay if I stay?"

I laughed, "seriously?"

"well then, tell her I will. I'll just notify my mom."

"cool."

So five minutes later we were all sitting at the table. Dad was asking Earl about his first day at school. My dad was a very civil man who could hold a really meaningful conversation with anyone. He was also playful and goofy, where it was necessary..like the times he played with Luke or any other little kid. Basically, I was really proud to have him as my dad.

"Earl I really want to thank you, I don't know what you did but Tracy's mood has improved remarkably."

Oh mom...
I felt myself blushing. My mom was open like that.

"there's no need to thank me, Mrs Collins. Tracy is a teenager.." that's all Earl said.

After dinner, Earl got up with his plate, "thank you Mrs Collins. The food was really delicious."

Mom smiled, "oh, don't mention it."

He also volunteered to help me with the dishes and from the kitchen I heard my mom say to dad, "he's such a good mannered boy."
It was true.

Later that evening I was working on the rest of the homework. I thought of what Kyle had done to me and my heart sank. I brushed the painful thoughts away as I created the project group. If he didn't want anything to do with me, it was okay. I was embarking on a journey to forget him.

"I- I don't know," I stuttered.

He looked surprised, "what do you mean you don't know? You were so sure, the text!!!"

"Maybe the fire erased everything Kyle..."

"Tracy!!!!" he called out.

I kept walking, holding Earl's hand. In the split of a second his face changed and I was shocked to see..

"Tracy! Your alarm has been ringing for a while, wake up!"

I sleepily rubbed my eyes. "okay mom."
What's with these weird dreams?

I got up from bed and started preparing for school. I refrained myself from wearing a -pitying myself outfit- and instead wore a scarlet off shoulder blouse, black skinny jeans and block heel sandals. I curled my hair and went downstairs for breakfast.

"looks like someone got the magic wand," Luke clapped his hands.

"come on Luke, this has always been in me," I blushed.