Dots and Zeros [Completed]

30. Madeline

'I have five minutes left,' I say.

'I'll hang up soon,' Ramona says from the other side of the phone.

I'm sitting in my car on Sam's school's parking lot. I left work early today to come pick them up. I'll be keeping an eye on them for as much as I can for the next couple of weeks. I hope I can assume they actually gave me the right time school would be done.

'You know what,' Ramona says. 'This whole situation with Sam isn't fantastic. But at least you're not leaving the office at nine PM for once.'

'True,' I say. 'But I'm continuing work when I get home.'

A pause from the other side.

'Seriously?' she says.

'Yes. Mainly paperwork. I can do that on my laptop. I sent emailed myself the documents I need for it.'

'To your personal email?'

'Yes.'

'Is that legal?'

'I'm not sure. I was hoping you could keep your mouth shut about it.'

Ramona hums.

'I won't tell,' she says.

'Thanks,' I say. 'And I think I need to go. That way I'll be at the entrance when the bell rings.'

'Do schools these days still have bells?'

'I'll notice soon enough. I'll tell you this afternoon.'

'Sure. Good luck.'

'Thanks.'

After saying bye I hang up the phone. I put it in the pocket of my jacket and step out of the car. The bag I took to work stays on the back seat. I lock the car and start walking.

This is the first time I actually went to this school. Sam all took care of it themselves, I didn't need to do anything. I think I'm going the right way. The parking lot is at the side of the building. When I go right I'll walk onto a field for sports. I go left.

A paved path leads me to the front of the building, including the entrance. I sit down on the bench close to it. I keep an eye on the double doors. They open soon after. No one steps out except for the janitor.

A minute later a bell rings. I keep it in mind to tell Ramona later today. A lot of children come out. They're loud and laugh at each other. Some shout. Others don't say anything and leave the mess as soon as possible, speeding off on their own.

Sam is one of the last teens to step out of the building. They're not alone. There's a girl next to them. I wave at them and stand up from the couch. They walk towards us.