My New Home

Nel's Apology

"What...?" She asked, surprised.

"Yeah. Your dead name is Neil, right?" I asked, just to sure.

"Um... Yeah. It is."

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked her.

"I was scared, ok? I thought you'd dislike me since you didn't remember."

"Wait- how'd you know I didn't remember?" I asked.

"Because, we had a designated spot where we'd meet up again if we ever were in an accident. I waited for weeks, but you never came. Ever," she finished, looking down at her feet sadly.

"Hey," I said, raising her face back up so she was looking me in the eyes. "I'm sorry I forgot, but that doesn't change that you're my best friend. Even if I don't remember, I'll always be here for you."

Tears crept to the edge of her eyes. "Y'know, you sound just like you did before everything in life became difficult."

She was smiling, so I took this as an excuse to hug her. She hugged back, and then we started trying to decide where to go next.

All of a sudden, the lights went out. My flashlight was dead, so I asked Nel if she had hers.

There was no answer.

I started to worry. This wasn't good. I knew that more than I wanted to, and a lot more than I figured was normal for a kid my age.

Suddenly, a memory was thrown at me for no reason.

I had the note. I sat it on the bed and grabbed the stuff. Then, I kissed Katie on the forehead gently so as to not disturb her slumber.

I left. I just left.

And when I did, I went to go say goodbye to my friend.

I pushed the doorbell and his mother answered.

"Oh hello Gregory!" She said, her southern accent showing proudly. "Are you... Going somewhere?" She asked, seeing the bag.

"Uh... Yeah! I'm... Going to... Hang out with a new friend!"

"Gregory, you're an amazing kid. Very talented. But you are a horrible liar."

I looked down and sighed.

"What's wrong sugar? Is everything ok?" She asked me.

"It's... My parents. They're always arguing, and I can't stand it anymore! And they won't stop... Not even for Katie. I just... I can't live like that anymore."

"Why don't you come on in? I got fresh bread almost done in the oven, and I can make you those pancakes you really like."

I nodded slightly, and stepped inside.

I sat and had a good meal, talking with Dale and his mom. They were nice company.

Then, there was a loud knock at the door.

Dale's mom, Mimi, opened the door and stood in the doorway, so as to block view of me and Dale.

"Can I help you, officer?" She asked.

"I'm looking... For a boy named Gregory. I heard he might be here."

It was the sheriff, apparently, because her southern sass was plainly obvious in her next question.

"And what do you want with him, sheriff?"

"I need to talk to him about his family. It's urgent."