All is Well.

School

The second of Feburary. 1982. Elizabeth's point of view. Craneview private school. Math Class. 11:34am.

I was in math class, drawing. I was good at math. I just found it boring. I was doodling on the side of my workbook. I drew a picture of Michael hitting Evan over the head, and dad yelling at me. I was just doodling what had happened the day before. I wasn't really thinking about what I was doing. I drew all through out the lesson, not paying attention to anything else. I was in my own little world until I heard something behind me. "Elizabeth?" I froze. Mrs Green was standing behind me. Did she see my drawing? How long had she been standing there for? I turned around slowly, covering the drawing with my hands as I turned. "Yes?" "Try to pay more attention okay. I know its nearly lunch but I need you to concentrate." I sighed. Thank god she hadn't see. "Yes miss sorry, it won't happen again." "Perfect also I'd like us to have a little chat after class. Is that alright?" Okay, okay. Stay calm. Maybe she just wanted to talk about concentrating in class. Maybe it wasn't about the drawing. "Okay." I replied in a voice much higher, unlike my own. "Splendid." She smiled patting my shoulder, and giving me a warm smile, before retreating to her desk.

I stood outside the door at 3:00pm. Hesitant to knock on the door. I didn't want her to know about home, the only person who knows about home is Charlie and that's beciase she's over all the time and our daddy's are best friends. I just wouldn't tell her. I took a deep breath and walked inside. "Lizzie." Mrs Green smiled, jesturing to the chair infront of her desk. I sat down and plastered a smile on my face. "So Lizzie, I'd like to speak about the drawing I saw you doodling earlier." "Okay." Alright, alright. Just lie. It's okay, she doesn't need to know.  "In the drawing your brother. Micheal was hurting someone...is that correct?" She asked pulling out my book from the drawers we leave them in. My stomach sank. "I had Micheal a few years ago. I know he can be rough." She said in what she thought was a reassuring tone. "Oh, no um. That's he's like patting my brother Evan on the head, not hitting him." "Okay.. and what about your father, is he...yelling at you?" "No hes singing...he does that all the time." I fake smiled, as if thinking about it. "Singing? He barely talked. Let alone sing. "Oh and the facial expression of you and your youngest brother?" "I'm just not really good at drawing happy faces. Do they really look sad?" I lied bending over the paper. "Lizzie." Mrs Green looked at me. "You can tell me if there is something wrong." She smiled. "I know but there's nothing wrong. Everything is fine. All is well in the Afton family." I smiled back. "I'm sorry about drawing and starting all of this." I said hoping to leave. "It's alright Elizabeth." I could tell she wanted to say more. "Is it okay if I leave, my brothers are waiting." I glanced at the clock. "Oh, yes...yes of course. Go ahead Lizzie." I grabbed my backpack and stood up. "Thank you miss, sorry for wasting your time." I said leaving and shutting the door.

I stood against the wall outside the class room breathing heavily. A small tear dripped down my cheek. I felt pathetic, having to lie about my family. Why couldn't we just be normal? I moped my face hurriedly and walked out of the building. I saw Micheal and Evan waiting at the gate. Evan was standing next to the wall, looking around worried. While Micheal leaned against the gate, blowing gum, looking bored. Evan smiled and waved at me while Micheal rolled his eyes and sighed. "There you are. Jesus you took long come on." He turned around and began to walk away. Evan and I followed. He was peering at me looking worried. "Are you okay Lizzie?" He asked, noticing the tear stain on my cheek. I mean if anyone knew what crying looked like it was him. "I'm fine." I said after a long moment of silence. "I just got held back after class for drawing." He nodded, understandingly. We walked in silence for a while. "You can talk to me...if you ever need to or want to...you know?" He said quietly looking down. I do know." I smiled placing my arm around him." I'm so lucky to have Ev. Even if he can be a Crybaby sometimes. We walked home in silence. As we turned onto our street. He slipped his hand in mine, squeezing it. I squeezed his back. He really was the best.