Spirit of the Weeping Willow Swing

Chapter 4

I waited for the chauffeur in the courtyard after school. I thought he would be on time, apparently, I was wrong. I didn't mind though I just continued thinking of ideas for my assignment. I was in disbelief of myself for how dedicated I was to make it perfect. I'm not a stupid person, my IQ is actually off the charts, but according to my therapist 'I lack the skill and motivation to apply myself in anything academically related.' I rolled my eyes as the conversation passed through my memory.

30 mins of concentration were immediately interrupted with a horn honking, letting me know the fancy car was here to take me back to 'The Sterling Penitentiary for Juvenile Delinquents'. "Hey, I gotta write that one down," I said before I put my notebook back in my backpack. The chauffeur quickly got out of the car and ran to my door to open it. He was frantically apologizing. "Please, don't tell Madame Sterling I was late picking you up. She'll be furious." he stared at me with pleading eyes. "Fine. Only on one condition." he smiled and gave me a huge hug. "Anything your heart desires, kid."

"I need to sneak out for the night around 10 pm." I started while he was driving. He glanced at me in the rearview mirror like I was up to something. "I'm not going to break any laws. It's just this bull... I'm mean jock at school. He dared me to spend the night at the top of the hill. If I do then he said he'll leave me.... I mean let me try out the football team this year." I didn't want to tell him I was being bullied and that if I didn't do the dare Trent would make my life a 'living hell'. He glanced back at me through the rearview mirror and sighed.

."I'll make sure things go according to plan, kid." he gave me a small smile. "Thanks, ughhh... I'm sorry dude. I don't know your name." "Nicholas, but you can call me Nickey. You're a good kid..." he paused for a moment "... if you ever need to talk or somethin' I'm here for ya'." Nickey gave me a wink and a smile. "Thanks, Nickey. By the way, I like your accent. What is it, New York?" Nickey gave a light chuckle. "Close, but no cigar. It's New Jersey." "Cool. Why are you in Oklahoma?" I asked curiously. "Whelp, the opportunity was callin' my name, so I answered her." I smiled. "You know, Nickey I think, this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." Nickey laughed "Sure, kid. Whatever you say."

We finally made it back to the 'prison' and 'the warden' was on the huge porch patiently waiting in an old rocking chair. Standing beside her was 'the sheriff'. Nickey rushed over to my door and let me out. He whispered "Good luck, kid." Before he could get in his seat 'the warden' spoke. "Mr. Rozzini? May I have a word with you, please?" Nickey looked scared, but he obeyed and made his way to the bottom step of the porch.

"Yes, Madame Sterling how can I assist you ma'am?" he said in a polite non-Jersey accented voice. "Why is young Mr. Blakely, an hour and 15 minutes late coming home from school?" she asked in a stern, polite voice. Before Nickey could answer I interjected. "It's my fault. I didn't realize school was over. I was in the library drawing in my sketchbook. By the time I did notice the time Mr. Rozzini was frantically running about campus trying to find me. As soon as we found each other we quickly made our way here. So, please don't take it out on him. It's completely my fault and I'll accept whatever punishment."

Madame Sterling, James, and even Nickey stared at me in amazement. After a moment Madame Sterling cleared her throat "Well, young man I shall let you off with a warning, seeing as it was not intentional. Mr. Rozzini, I apologize for the accusation. Please forgive my rudeness." Nickey accepted her apology and started to walk away, but before he could sit down Madame Sterling added "Did, young Mr. Blakely express his apology to you yet Mr. Rozzini?" Nickey looked at me with the biggest smile and thankful eyes. "Yes, ma'am. He did. I must say, Madame Sterling, this young man is an exceptional person and anyone would be lucky enough just to be able to call him a friend." Madame Sterling smiled proudly. With that Nickey bowed, got in his car, and drove off.

Madame Sterling watched until the car was out of sight and turned to walk into the house. Once she was in the house, I sighed a huge sigh of relief. 'That was close' I thought as if my heart was going to beat out of my chest. I started to make my way to my room. I had things to prepare for my 'ghostly sleepover'.

In my room, I started packing my sleeping bag, a pillow, my sketchbook, my notebook, a few pens and pencils, and some snacks. I was about to grab my phone charger and remembered I'd be roughing it so I decided to just charge my phone until my departure time. It was 4 o'clock when I had everything packed. I set an alarm on my phone for 10 pm and laid in my bed and took a nap.