Ain't No Mountain High Enough

"Kiss On My List"

When I told the others I was going to be in the race, Keto groaned and handed Veronica a wad of cash from his pocket. I raised an eyebrow at them, and Veronica gave a villainous laugh as she took the money.

"We made a bet," Keto said, crossing his arms. "Veronica said you'd change your mind."

"And I was right!" Veronica said triumphantly as she got up from the couch. "I'll go put this away before Keto steals it back."

"I know where you keep your wallet!" Keto called after her, then shook his head. "Why is she like this?"

I laughed. "Well, I'm a little surprised at myself, honestly. I...didn't think I'd change my mind. I still feel funny about it."

"I'm sure it'll be fun," he said, shrugging and returning to playing Kingdom Hearts (on Arjun's file again, I was pretty sure).

"Yeah..." But I didn't really know if I truly agreed. How could a race be fun? I wasn't doing it for fun... I hated to admit it - even to myself - that I was doing it just to prove that I could. But I didn't dare tell that to the others. Ms. Harlow would have my hide if she knew the truth. In her eyes - and in everyone else's - I had nothing to prove. Still, I couldn't help but feel I had everything to prove. Not just to my friends, but to Stephen, of all people. Especially to Stephen.

Ms. Harlow came home from work a while later, and when I told her how I had changed my mind, a big smile grew on her face. "Maybe this will do you some good!" she said as she placed her purse on the little table beside the front door. She raised her eyebrows at me. "And you'll be able to see Valerie."

I felt my face start to heat up, starting with the tips of my ears. "Come on," I mumbled, though I had to admit I was getting excited - and nervous - to see her again. It had been almost half a year since she had broken up with Stephen, and she seemed to be happier now more than ever. But every time we texted or called, she never mentioned us getting back together. I didn't want to force her into anything. I mean, maybe she just decided she didn't want to date at all? I couldn't really blame her...first, things with me didn't work out because of my mom, and then Stephen ended up being a complete jerk. Still...maybe I'd bring it up when we were together again. Or maybe if she still had feelings for me, I could just wait and see what would happen?

"Randall?" Ms. Harlow's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, and when I looked up, she had a knowing smile on her face. "Maybe...," she continued now that she had my attention, "something will happen?"

I chewed my bottom lip. "Maybe..." Geez...I would have to wait until April to see, unless something changed between now and then. I'd just have to be patient. I supposed it wouldn't be too hard. I did have school and work. And then there was Arjun...

Sighing, I returned to the living room to watch Keto play video games. There wasn't anything I could do about Valerie or Arjun right now, anyway.

~ ~ ~

Later that evening, I was turning in my last assignment for the week on my laptop when Ms. Harlow came into my room and sat down on the bed. She didn't say anything for a while, but I could tell something heavy was on her mind. Finally, just when I started to say something, she said, "Have you heard from Arjun lately?"

My stomach dropped. "Um...not in a while." I had texted him yesterday, but it didn't even say he had read it yet. I wondered if he even had his phone on him. Probably not, knowing him.

"He hasn't talked to me since he said he was staying at a friend's house. And he didn't even tell me which friend." She tilted her head at me. Oh geez...she knew. She knew I was involved somehow! "Do you happen to know anything about it?"

I tried not to cringe. How could I lie to her point blank by just saying "no"? I suddenly felt sick to my stomach. "Well..." I swallowed. Crossed my arms so she couldn't see my hands shaking. "I texted him yesterday and he never responded. I...I don't know where he is, actually." I guess it was mostly the truth...

Ms. Harlow heaved a sigh, running her hand through her graying hair. "I know I seem like...a helicopter mom, but he usually talks to me so often. I'm just worried..."

"Can't really blame you."

She locked eyes with me for a moment, and I swear I almost told her everything. I wanted to so badly, but what would Arjun do? Worse...what would Nathan and his gang do if they knew Ms. Harlow knew? If I told...Ms. Harlow would definitely call the police or something, and then everything would go down the drain from there.

I clamped my mouth shut and turned back to my laptop. "I'll tell you if I hear from him," I said quietly, cursing Arjun in my mind.

She got up and left without another word. I knew I was busted, but I wondered how long I could go before she called me out on it.

I guess I was about to find out.

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Listen to "Kiss On My List" by Hall and Oates!

Peace✌️~ A.J.