Geekular COMPLETED

Chapter 18

I drive to Granny Adam's house after Maddie comes in the car with her night bag. I receive a call from my boss earlier; she inform me that I have a late night shift, so I guess Maddie has to stay over night. I've been thinking about this constantly and I'm not sure what to do. Ever since mom and dad gone missing and never to return, I've been putting my time to support Maddie and I. After weeks of mourning and isolating myself to the world, I realize that it's time to be the parent for Maddie. I was thinking about myself, but not about Madison. So that summer was consist of me working, twenty-four hours a day. Everyday, I would drop Maddie to Granny Adams and then, go to work. Things got a little calm once this summer hits, but I still struggle keeping up with the bills. I can't keep bringing Maddie to Granny Adams a lot; I shouldn't be taking advantage of the sweet old lady. I just don't know if I'm being a good parental guidance for her.

"Are you okay, Scott?" Maddie ask as we stop at a stop sign.

"I'm fine. Just a lot on my mind, that's all." Once I check for the clear, I continue my drive, already reach Granny Adams house in a second. We head out of my car once I park it on Granny Adams' driveway. I reach to the porch, knocking on the door.

"Scott, Madison." Granny Adams greet us once she opens the door. The smell of bake goods fills my nostril when she opens the door, making my stomach growl a little. Granny Adams notice my rumbling stomach, and tells us to come in for a second.

"Wait here for a sec. I'll just get some of my bakes and pack it for you." Granny says, walking to her kitchen. Maddie walks to the living room, settling her bag on the couch. Seconds later, Granny Adams comes back to the foyer with a small container of goods. "Here you go, my boy. It's still hot, but it's good."

"Thank you, Granny Adams." I smile, then hug her. As I walk out of the house, I can hear her following me out.

"Wait, my boy." She calls out to me.

"Yes?" I ask, turning around to look at her.

"How are you holding up?"

"I'm okay, I guess. I just have a lot on my mind."

"You're thinking about Maddie and the circumstances you're facing." Shock appears on my face when she founds out what I'm thinking about.

"How do you know?" Curious to how she knows so easily.

"I just know." She walks up to me, putting a comforting hand on my shoulder once she gets close. "You. Are the strongest, caring person I've ever met in your age. You sacrifice a lot for your sister. I know it's hard to be a teenager and a parent at the same time. You can't give up now."

"I know.." Nodding my head, understanding what she means. ".. It's just .. I don't know want to do, especially since it's my last year of high school. After high school, my dream is to go to an Ivy League school. How can I go if I have to take care of Maddie?"

"Then, go. Go chase your dream. I know you want to take care of Maddie, but she'll understand. You won't be gone forever. If you want, I can take her in after you go to college." I look at her, seeing her give me a comforting and supporting smile.

I smile back, giving her another hug. "I'll have to talk about it with Maddie."

"No rush, my boy. You still have time." She lets go of me, patting my arm. I gave her wave once I get in my car. I drive to work, listening to some Taylor Swift song on the radio and munching on some of the goods that Granny Adams bake. I see a bunch of cars that aren't moving, which makes me stop my car. A minute or two, the cars starts slowly moving. Great! I hate traffic! I hope this traffic doesn't make me late for work.

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And I am late for work, just when I hope that I wouldn't be back there in the traffic. I park in the new employee parking spot, rushing my way into the cafe after getting out of my car. The bell on the door ding once I walk in, making Laura look at me. "You're late, Scott." She sings, smirking at me when I get behind the counter.