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LENNON MAYFIELD got ready every morning in one way and one way only: quickly and messily. Max got out of their shared bedroom, arching an eyebrow at how her sister looked effortlessly beautiful. Her older sister was in the middle of cleaning the floor, which currently was filled with empty cans of beers. Despite Lennon's efforts, Max was very aware of the problem their mother had with alcohol. Sometimes, when Lennon was gone and Max got home earlier than she should, she would clean up a little bit so her sister didn't have to. She knew Lennon was basically maintaining the family. It was the least she could do. Max didn't have the age to work, but as soon as she turned it she wanted to help as well. The whole family was falling on Lennon's shoulders, and even if she failed to complain, it wasn't fair.
"Good morning." Max spoke up, making her sister drop whatever she had on her hands. Unfortunately, not even after months Lennon had managed to stop flinching "Sorry." The smaller redhead apologised, walking closer so she could help her.
Lennon held up a hand "It's ok. Good morning, Max." She kneeled down, not seeing the shocked step back her sister took "Breakfast's by the table. I left you some money in case you need anything. I'm working late today."
Max sighed while grabbing her perfectly made breakfasts, placing the few dollars her sister had gained with hard work on the back pocket of her jeans "Another extra shift?" She was tired of Lennon always working. She knew it was necessary, but it didn't make her feel better. Often, she wondered if the real reason she worked so much was so she didn't have to spend time with people around her. The fact that Lennon no longer enjoyed the company of people wasn't a secret to anyone.
"I know. I'm sorry. But, believe me, I only do it because I have to." Lennon didn't want to tell Max just how big of a debt they were in. And she didn't want her to know that they were close to losing another house. Thankfully, the landlord was a nice old woman who had agreed to wait more. Yet again, she couldn't afford to let them get away with months unpaid. Lennon would have to work a couple more extra shifts before being able to pay everything. Then, she could work like she normally should.
"All right." Max muttered under her breath, taking a glance to her watch and groaning right after "Come on. Or we'll be late to the bus, again." Lennon grabbed her backpack, closing the door behind her and following her little sister out.
"Good morning, Reds!" They heard their neighbour, Eddie Munson, shout from his trailer, which was right in front of their small house. He had been friends with Lennon not that long ago, but even he had noticed the change the girl went through the previous summer. Max smiled at him politely before completely ignoring him. Lennon waved slightly, not wanting to be rude but also not wanting to engage in a conversation. Eddie watched the Mayfield sisters walk in silence, and he wondered how two people that once looked like they could rule the world, now looked like it had buried them on the deepest part of the planet.
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Since the summer, Steve and Robin had became the best of friends. Platonic soulmates the latter called them. They had spent every second of the summer together, watching movies and working at the blockbuster. Then, when the school year began, and Robin had to go back to studying, Steve had offered himself to drive her to school everyday. He knew of her financial issues, and as she couldn't afford a car, he preferred to be her personal chofer. That way, they could spend more time together. And talk in the morning about what bothered them.
