The Guardian

Chapter 28

Michael called Lennon for the fifth time since school had let out, and like the other four times it went straight to voicemail. He was trying to stay calm and not worry but he couldn't help it. She had been distant for the past few weeks, Like she was afraid of something. He had tried to be comforting but nothing seemed to comfort her and she always seemed to be on edge. He sighed and ran his fingers through his  hair. Just as he sat down the front door opened. He rushed through the door and stopped Lennon before she could retreat to her bedroom. He gave her a smile, with which she responded with a stony frown.
  "You know Lennon, why do I pay so much for you to have a cell phone if you never have it?"
She shrugged her shoulders.
  "I don't know."
She tried to move past him but he put his hand on her shoulder.
"What's going on with you Len?"
She rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders.
  "Geez Mike, nothing's going on. Now can I please go to my room? I have homework."
He sighed and removed his hand.
"Yeah sure."
He watched her walk off and shook his head. He walked into the kitchen and microwaved himself a TV dinner. There was no point in him making dinner because Lennon didn't even eat anymore.
    Lennon pushed her back against her bedroom door and slid down, putting her head in her hands. She wanted to tell Michael what was happening, but she just wanted to forget about it. The thought alone of Sam was tormenting her. She didn't know what to do anymore.  She sighed, and decided it was time to tell Michael. She got up and walked to the den but he wasn't there. She looked around the house calling for him but he was nowhere to be seen. She walked into the kitchen to get a drink, and saw a note on the refrigerator reading:
   Len, I went into town for a few things. I don't know when I will be back. Don't wait up for me. If you need anything call me.
I love you,
     Mike.
She sighed wishing he hadn't left.  She remebered what had happened the last time someone had left her. She felt a sick feeling and tried to push the bad thoughts away.  She grabbed a drink and retreated to her room to do some homework.
  Michael drove down the highway, his hands firmly gripping the wheel. He was fuming. He didn't understand why Lennon just couldn't open up to him. He had tried everything he could to help her, and she just wouldn't take it. He needed to go somewhere to let off steam. He thought about a bar he had seen downtown and headed in that direction. A few years ago he had had a drinking problem and decided to put that behind him then. He decided to relive his past, just for a night.
  Two hours had passed and Michael still hadn't come home, or answered his phone. Lennon knew what she had to do. She grabbed her keys and hit the road.