Mental.

Chapter 12

As I'm walking home from school that day, I can't stop thinking about River. I've never seen them so upset. I can't believe I made them feel that way.

When I get home, Mom is cooking meatloaf and Dad is sitting on the couch doing crossword puzzles.

"Hi, sweetie!" says Mom.

"Surprise!" says Dad.

"Dad, what are you doing home so early?" I ask.

"I took the afternoon off to spend time with you and your sister. I know we'll have plenty of time on the weekend to be together, but I just couldn't wait that long to get to have a proper conversation about school with you two. The mornings and evenings have just been too hectic, and we've had no time to talk."

"Yeah, you're right. I'm so happy you came home early!" I say.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Come give your old man a hug!" I run over to Dad, and he squeezes me tight.

"Is Salish in her room?" I ask.

"Yep. Um...Brooklyn, do me a favor and just don't talk to her right now. Your mom and I already tried, but she really wants to be alone. We're not sure what's wrong, but we need to give her the space she needs."

"Okay. I just hope she's alright," I say.

"Don't worry, Brookie Cookie, Dad and I will take care of it, whatever it is. I'm sure she's fine."

"Okay. I'm gonna go chill in my room."

I remember that I have Logan's phone number, so I decide to text her.

"Hey. Want 2 FaceTime?"

"Sure, give me one sec to go to my room"

"K"

After a few minutes, I hear my phone buzzing.

"Hey, Brooklyn! What's up?"

"Hey! Not much, you?"

"Just getting ready to do my 100 homework assignments! Ugh, I am so not in the mood for schoolwork."

"Ugh, me neither. They already torture us in school, why do they have to do it outside of school, too?" Logan sighs.

"Welcome to middle school!" Now I sigh.

"It's gonna be a long year."

I really want to tell Logan everything that's on my mind—about Salish, about River, about my panic attacks—but I just can't. What if I make it awkward? What if Logan gets mad about the situation with River? What if—WHAT TIME IS IT!

"Brooklyn? Brooklyn!"

"Oh! Uh, sorry, Logan. I guess I just dozed off for a second." Logan sighs.

"Brooklyn, are you okay?"

"Yeah! I'm totally fine!" Logan doesn't seem convinced.

"Brooklyn, you know you can talk to me."

"Thanks, but I'm fine. I promise." I hear another voice coming from Logan's end.

"Oh, my mom's calling me for dinner. I'll see you tomorrow, though. Good night, Brooklyn!"

"Good night, Logan!" 

I flop onto my bed and let out a deep sigh.