Dweller of the Cave

Eight

Morning (or as I call it, deception) creeped up. As my alarm went off, I pretended it was still night. I refused to check the time on my phone.

The smell of scrapple and eggs flowed into my room as I picked out my clothes. Remembering that today was a pep rally, I didn't run a simulation of every possible occurrence at school in my mind. I quickly changed and headed for the kitchen.

Mom handed Andy a small mug of tea.

I ruffled his hair and placed some scrapple on a napkin for him.

"I get to eat as much as I want," he exclaimed. "You have to go to a stupid rally."

"It's a pep rally," I snapped back. "You'll have one in five years."

"You're jealous that I have a four-day weekend."

"It's a half-day, today. Get over yourself."

Mom nudged me on the shoulder. "He's nine, baby. Can you give him a break for a day?"

I smiled and nodded. Andy, I guess in an act of repayment, made me an egg and scrapple sandwich. Although, he gave his stupid doll a corner of it. Chucky slumped in a chair with a yellow dish rag on his head.

"Welp, it's time for you to go!" She handed me a water bottle and patted my shoulder. "See ya in a few hours."

"You too," I giggled. "See you too, Andy."

She gave me a hug and handed me the spare keys she kept in a cabinet. Andy threw a coffee straw at me as I left the kitchen. I grabbed my bookbag on the couch and hurried out the door.

Hurried is a strong word. It was still black as space when I got outside. I put my head down on the mailbox. Well, until Griffin showed up.

He tapped my arm. I jumped and stared at him.

"Hey, Bee," he chuckled, looking at my hand. "Can I call you that?"

"Like a bumblebee?" I spat out.

"I mean, I like bumblebees. 'Bumblebee' is my favorite Transformer. Goes well with your name. Blaine Bumblebee."

He stepped back and stared at the ground. "I'll just... be quiet."

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