Sketch

Chapter 16

"This is ridiculous, Grayson!" I cried as I swung from the top of the rope he'd just tied to the branch of a big tree at the park.

"I'll catch you if you fall!" Devon called up to me.

"You better!" I squirmed and continue to climb. Devon and Grayson were throwing a Frisbee back and fourth when Devon got the bright idea to chuck it as hard as he could skyward. Grayson used his lasso skills, where he got them, I have no idea, and fastened a rope to the tree. Unfortunately for me, I was the smallest and was nominated to climb the rope, even though I had a broken hand. Boys have such bright ideas, right?

Luckily, I had a lot of upper body and arms strength so climbing it with one hand and arms elbow wasn't as hard ash it might have looked. My fear was just falling. I already had a broken hand, I didn't need a broken neck to compliment it. I reached the top of the rope and carefully took hold of a branch, pulling myself into the tree. I climbed a little higher and got the Frisbee.

"Hey losers! I got it!" I called down.

"Great job!" Devon smiled.

"Throw it down!" Grayson shouted and gave me a thumbs up. I dropped it and it hit the ground with a bounce. About halfway back down the rope I started to slid.

"Devon!" I yelped. "I'm gonna fall!"

"I'll catch you, I promise!" He reassured. I gave him a skeptical look.

"Just let go!" He chuckled. I squeezed my eyes shut and counted to three, then released the rope. There was a few seconds of a floating feeling and the I felt arms holding just blow my knees and my back. Devon grinned down at me.

"Told you I wouldn't let you fall," He smirked. I rolled out of his arms and brushed myself off. I took the Frisbee from Grayson and hit him over the head with it.

"Hey!" He squeaked. "What was that for?!"

"No specific reason," I shrugged as I sat down under a tree. The pair went back to playing with the disk and I watched them, holding back a laugh. Three days ago, Devon was beating up Grayson and now they're best buds. My phone buzzed by my side and I answered it.

"Is this Natalia Reed?" A male voice asked from the other side.

"This is she. Who is this?" I answered.

"This is Anderson Cheswick. I'm calling about my art show that you entered. I'm pleased to inform you that you've taken first place. There will be a ceremony held at the Jasmine Art Museum in New Orleans at the end of next month and you will receive your award."

"Really?" I squealed, then quickly composed myself as Devon and Grayson eyed me suspiciously. "Thank you so much! What's the date of the event?"

"November thirtieth at six PM."

"Okay, I'll be there. Thank you!" I hung up. I jumped around in a circle until Grayson caught me by the shoulders.

"What was that about?" He asked.

"I entered an art competition a few months ago and I won!" I cried.

"Art competition? You never told you entered one of your sketches in an art competition," Devon frowned.

"It wasn't really important at the time," I shrugged. "I didn't think I would win."

"Still would have been nice to know," He pouted.

"Oh hush," I snorted and rolled my eyes. "There is a ceremony in New Orleans next month and I'm gonna need some road trip buddies." I wiggle my eyebrows at the two boys.

"Oh boy!" Grayson squealed. "A road trip!"

"I'm down as long as I drive," Devon smiled.

"Then it's settled! We're going on as road trip!"

***

The rest of October and November slowly crept by as the anticipation of the trip grew stronger. We packed up about a week before the thirtieth so we had plenty of time to get to New Orleans and have time to stop and explore.

"Hey Nat, can I talk to you for a moment?" Devon asked as we loaded up his car.

"Sure," I nodded. "What is it?"

"I think you should tell your parents that you're leaving," He said quietly. I bristled at the thought of facing my mother. I hadn't seen her since out fall out nearly two months ago. Devon's mother had kindly offered up her spare room for me to stay in until I was ready to go home. As much as it didn't want to believe it, I knew Devon was right.

"Will you settle for me just calling?" I asked.

Devon thought for a moment, then nodded. "Sure."

"Fine, I'll call them then," I sighed. Devon passed me my phone.

"Here we go." I clicked my dad's contact and hit call.

"Hello?" He answered.

"It's me," I said quietly.

"Nate? Where are you? Are you okay?" He rushed.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," I sighed.

"I'm so sorry," He whispered.

"It's not your fault," I frowned.

"Your mother regrets what she did," He replied.

"Don't make excuses for her," I snapped. "I want be home for a little while longer. I'm going to New Orleans.  Don't worry, I'm going with Devon and a friend."

"When are you leaving?" He asked quietly.

"Today."

"Be safe please?"

"I'll be fine," I sighed and hung up. Without meeting Devon's eyes, I jumped into the passenger seat.

"Let's go," I called and ignored Devon's questioning stare.