Disclaimer: I do not own Tangerine; Edward Bloor does.
(I would like to dedicate this to my 7th Grade students of 2014-2015.)
Freezing rain pounded on Dad's car, wanting to be in the warmth with us as he drove me to the beginning of spring semester at St. Anthony's. The weather reminded me of the "Great Freeze." And Luis. It's hard to think that it all happened just a couple months ago.
Well, this is the second time I've had to switch schools in Florida. The first was because of a natural disaster that swallowed almost the entire seventh grade into a dark abyss. The second time was because I'm just a bad ass. Well, maybe not that bad ass. Mom would say otherwise. But the karate kickers and ganstas respect me at Tangerine, now. And that's all that matters. But it was an interesting year both at Lake Windsor and Tangerine. Soccer, disaster, new friends, murder, robbery. It sounds like a soap opera to most, but it's not to those who matter, Tino, Theresa, Joey, me, and the guys from Tangerine. There was a lot of hurt feelings, enough to go around for everyone at Lake Windsor and Tangerine.
Erik's at home with Mom. After the incident with the robberies, we had a family meeting. Something that we do now when there's something serious going on. Our family counselor recommended we do it. We just recently started seeing her, Dr. Wendy Wallace. She's actually very nice to talk to. She's mostly worked with Mom, Dad, and Erik. I guess she figures I'm ok...for now. I'm actually fine after that night. Since the Lake Windsor Senior Awards Ceremony, all has been nearly perfect in my life.
Anyway, we sat down and discussed Erik's future. There basically was none. The "Erik Fisher Football Dream" was swallowed up. Turned into a nightmare. It was gone. We decided, more like Mom and Erik decided, for Erik to be homeschooled by mom and take classes on Dad's new computer. Erik also had to get a part-time job. And get this, he had to start driving himself everywhere. Mom took Erik to some used car lot in Tangerine. The guy who owns it, Francisco, is actually a friend of Tomas Cruz. Erik walked away with a used Volkswagon Bug. Not to make too much fun of the situation, but the car looks too small when Erik sits in it. Erik left early this morning to turn in several applications at various fast food places and businesses around Tangerine mostly. Mom and Dad basically said, "It's time for all of us to contribute to the family and support each other." Things have calmed down at home after some arguments and tears shed during conversations during family and marital counseling. But our family is on its way back from the depths of Hell. I think the lumbering zombie shuffling from Houston to Florida must've gotten run over on the way.
So here I am dressed for success at St. Anthony's. All GQ in my blue dress pants, white shirt, and blue tie. It's was a little cold today, but not like the "Great Freeze" last year when I helped out Tino and his family. So much has happened since then.
"You ok, Champ?" Dad broke my reminiscing as I stared through the window, watching the blurred landscape smeared by raindrops.
"Yeah, I'm good, Dad." I glanced over at the clock on the dash, reminding me that we were about to reach our destination. Champ. Dad has called me that since after the ordeal with Erik. I guess I deserve the title. I felt like I have been in a emotional boxing championship. Like Rocky Balboa being pounded in the face by that giant Russian guy. It was odd to hear dad call me that, but I kind of like it. He has been driving me to school since I started at the private school. It's a side of him I haven't seen since I was little.
Dad glanced sideways at me. "You looking forward to the new semester?"
"Yeah, I just wish soccer season wasn't over." I thought to myself how much I miss the guys and team at Tangerine.
