Blandview High Musical

73. California Dreamin'

I sighed softly as the sunlight poured in through the blinds of my bedroom. I got up and got dressed. Tommy was going to be here soon and we were going to the museum to see the dinosaur exhibit. "Big day planned?" My mother asked as I was making myself something to eat. "Just spending some time with Tommy today." "You're getting awfully close to him." My mother said. "We're just friends." I said. "Uh-huh. I was friends with your father once too." She said. "Mom! Totally not cool table conversation!" I hissed. The toaster popped loudly and I grabbed the poptarts from it. "We're not like that at all. Trust me." I said.

            Donnie's shoes scraped against the pavement as he walked up to the front door of Jade's house. He knocked on the door. The door swung open to reveal Lawrence standing on the opposing side. There was a lit cigarette between his lips, the smoke puffing up from the end. He was dressed in jean shorts and a floral print t-shirt. Donnie swallowed thickly. "H-Hi, Mr. Tondre." He said. Lawrence didn't say anything, but stepped aside as Donnie walked in. Jason was sitting on the couch, drinking and watching TV. "Who the hell are you supposed to be?" He asked. "I'm just a friend of Jade's. We're going to the movies." He said, nervously. "Yeah, well...she's upstairs getting ready." Lawrence said, pushing around him and sitting beside Jason. "Sit down." He ordered Donnie. He immediately seated himself in the chair.

            "So, Donovan...what's your old man up to these days?" Lawrence asked, flicking the ash into the tray." "Not sure. He's been gone since I can remember." Donnie said. "Don't call me Donovan." He instructed. Lawrence looked over at him, raising a brow. "I'm not my old man." He said. He grinned, nudging his shoulder against Jason. "Will we be seeing a lot of you around?" Lawrence asked. "I guess that depends." Donnie said. Another flick. "On what?" He asked. "On whether or not Jade says I can stay. It's pretty clear she makes most of the rules around here." Donnie said. Lawrence pushed some smoke out of his lungs. "Then I don't need to remind you of what happens if you make my little girl cry." He said. The smoke clouded around Donnie's breathing space. It stung his eyes and nose. "N-No, sir." He said.

            "Could you please not grill him and for god's sake don't smoke in the house." Jade's voice shattered the air around Donnie. Donnie jumped up from where he was sitting, turning around to face Jade. "Come on." She said, pulling him to the door. "Donnie?" Lawrence said. He turned around, almost waiting for whatever threat would follow. "It was nice to meet you." He said, grinning. Donnie just wanted to leave. He was mostly afraid Lawrence would melt him down to the bone with such a grin. "N-Nice to meet you too." He said. Jade grabbed him by the hand, leading him outside and talking. "Do you have to frighten everyone?" Jason asked. "I have something cooking up and I think that Donnie might be the perfect go-between." "Don't do this. Jade is just one push away from doing something drastic. If you do this, who knows what will happen?" He said. Lawrence just made a dismissive noise. "I'm sure everything will be just fine." He grunted.

            I walked up to the front door of Tommy's house. His car was parked in the driveway. It's shameful to mention that I've never met his parents and we've spent so much time together. I guess it's fair though. I mean, it's not like we're dating or anything. I knocked on the door. I could hear some clattering and some mumbling as the deadbolt unlocked loudly. On the opposing side of the door, stood a man who was about middle age. His hair was short to the scalp and gray looking. His shirt was dirty, like he'd just gotten home from work. The smell of grease and gasoline lingered strongly in the air. A sweaty beer was in his right hand while a smoking cigarette was in between his lips. His eyes passed over me. "Can I help you?" He asked. "I uh...is Tommy here? We were gonna go to the museum today." I said, flashing a bright smile. He raised a brow. "Yes. He's in the backroom." He said. "You can come in. I'll go get him." He said, stepping aside. I walked into the house. Everything was messy. There were empty beer cans scattered on every surface. I sighed, holding myself.