Paradise

Chapter Nineteen

My father had already gotten home by the time I returned. I apologized for staying out so late, but they didn't make a big deal about it. So, I joined them at the table and ate a cheeseburger my mother had just finished cooking. It tasted great. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I caught the rich and savory aroma of caramelized onions. They were delicious. I excused myself from the table with the last bite still in my mouth.

"Wait a minute, Penny," my mother said, glancing over at my father. I suddenly wondered what I'd done when she added, "you've been working awfully hard here lately, and we talked about this for a while. We finally came to an agreement."

I forced a smile, feeling confused. "Came to an agreement about what?"

"We're getting you a cell-phone."

It took every ounce of energy to control my outburst. Instead, I exclaimed very, very softly, for fear of shattering the light-bulbs and windows. I added in some physical movements just to let them know how truly excited I was. All bad thoughts and feeling disappeared in that moment. I couldn't stop smiling. I'd been asking for a cell-phone since-- well-- forever, it seemed, and now I would finally be getting one!

"Thank you, thank you!" I cried, hopping up to fling my arms around their necks. "This is so awesome!"

My mother gave a small chuckle. "You earned it," she said, smiling at me. "You've been really good here lately, getting all your homework done on time without me having to remind you and not causing any problems at school."

"I've been really trying," I said, feeling like it was only a half-truth. Really, I'd just been keeping busy with homework and class to distract myself from everything else that was going on. They didn't need to know that detail, though, not that they would have believed me, anyway.

"Just make sure you keep it up," my father said. "No slacking."

"Don't worry," I said. "I like having good grades."

"We'll go this weekend to pick it out," my mother added.

"Can't wait," I said, excited.

* * *

Back in my room, I put on a CD and turned the volume up a decent amount. Enough to flood my room without having my father yell at me to turn it down. Dragging my backpack on the bed, I dug through my books and pages, looking for a Biology worksheet I needed to complete. We didn't usually have Biology homework, but tonight was different. I had an Algebra worksheet too; we got one every night, even on Fridays.

I worked on and off for over an hour, taking small breaks to sing along to the music and move around my room. I was starting to feel restless. My mind was drifting from me. Eventually, I gave up on completing them, and took a shower. When I returned I was too sleepy to continue, but vowing not to let myself slip, decided that I would get the rest done before catching the bus in the morning. Hopefully my mind would be awake enough then. It certainly wasn't now.

I dreamed of Robert again. This time we lay in an opened field together. He turned on his side, propping up on his elbow, and smiled at me. I watched the wind ruffle through his chocolate curls and the long-sleeved tunic-shirt he wore. The color was a striking white-gray against the dark green grass. It had an opened V-neck that showed a good portion of his chest.

"Do you like it here?" he asked me. "Are you happy?"

I returned his smile. "Of course I do. We're together."

"So you'll stay with me?" he asked, smile opening into a brilliant grin. "You'll never leave?"

"I could never leave you," I said.