𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. | ˢᴮᴳ × ᵒᶜ / ʳᵉᵃᵈᵉʳ

[𝐒𝟏] 𝐄𝐏 𝟕 - 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝟕

"Today you'll be choosing your group partners for the project, and each group should consist of six people," Mr. Thomas finished.

I groaned in my seat, covering my face with my hands, mumbling, "I'm not close with anyone here."

I stayed seated while everyone formed their groups. "The rest of the class period will be about the project, so go ahead and sit wherever you want with your group for today," Mr. Thomas instructed. I watched as everyone gathered into groups of six, arranging their seats in a circle.

I found myself the only one without a group. Our teacher noticed and called out to me, "Marvis, why don't you squeeze in with their group?" He pointed to a group across the room.

I lifted my head to see the group he was indicating---it was them, the twins, the cousins, the one with ginger hair, and the puppy.

I looked away, turning my gaze back to Mr. Thomas. "I don't think it's fine for them," I told him.

Before Mr. Thomas could respond, someone cut in. I turned to see Taylor waving her hand at me. "We don't mind, Marvis! Join us!" she yelled, smiling brightly.

I felt warmth and comfort wash over me. It was really sweet of her, and I smiled softly in awe. The rest of the group looked at me, making me a bit anxious, but I decided to let it slide.

I stood up from my seat and moved my table, squeezing myself in between Logan and Tyler.

Our group was quiet. I watched Taylor write on her paper, trying to figure out what she was writing. I looked back down to listen to Mr. Thomas.

"This is also what your project will be about, and the topics you'll choose to present are stated in your rubric," he added. "Additionally, there is an overnight field trip associated with the project!"

"Of course, it's optional, but those who attend can earn extra credit for their individual grades."

"If you're interested, the permission slips are on my desk and include everything you'll need to know. For the remainder of the period, please choose a topic your group would like to present. You have twenty-five minutes, so use your time wisely."

I thought to myself, "A field trip on the first day of school? I'm not going... too risky. I'm glad it's optional."

BELL RINGS

Mr. Thomas reminded us, "Don't forget to have the slips signed and bring them back on Monday."

I stood up, grabbed my messenger bag, and scrolled through the history group chat.

As I walked past the teacher's desk, I shivered. I had a feeling, but I couldn't tell what it was. I glanced at the permission slips, grabbed one, and started reading it.

I thought to myself, "Savannah... I went there when I was little, Mom was still around."

I assumed the feeling was just nostalgia-wanting to go back in time and explore again, remembering the times when I was happy with my mother.

I sighed and tucked the slip into my pocket, then walked out of the classroom, thinking, "I might go, but how am I going to convince Dad?"

AT HOME

I walked into the house with a couple of glasses of beer, closed the door behind me, and set them down on the kitchen counter.

I stared at them for a while, then was startled by a voice from beside me. "Put them in the fridge," my dad said. I nodded and followed his instructions.

I put the glasses in the fridge and closed it. I fidgeted with my fingers before turning back to look at him. I hesitated to speak, but I cleared my throat, trying to gather the courage. Finally, I spoke up, "Dad?"

He took his eyes off his phone, lifted his head, and raised an eyebrow at me. I started scratching my neck nervously and continued, "Um, there's a field trip at school, and I wanted to ask if I could go."

He glared at me and replied sternly, "No."

I sighed and pulled the permission slip out of my pocket, sliding it on the counter towards him. I spoke softly, "It's just to Savannah, Dad. where... we and Mom..." I trailed off, looking down and freezing in place, my hand still on my neck.

His eyes widened slightly at the mention of "Mom" and he took the permission slip to read through it. He glanced up at me and then back down.

Seeing his reaction, I quickly added, "I'll deliver your food when I'm out."

He sighed, running his fingers through his hair, looking guilty. He spoke up, "Fine, and you didn't have to add that."

I was surprised by his response. Even without promising to deliver food, he was allowing me to go. I was speechless for a few seconds before saying, "Wait, really, Dad?"

He nodded and stood up, pinning the permission slip with a magnet onto the fridge. He looked at me and said, "I'll keep it there. I'll sign it soon."

I smiled softly and said, "Thank you, Dad," as I started walking back to my room. I could still feel his eyes on me.

Meanwhile, my dad shifted his gaze away from me as I disappeared from his view. He looked back at the permission slip on the fridge, feeling guilty as he remembered times he treated me badly since Mom disappeared.

He glanced at our family picture on the shelf and thought something with a small smile,

"I'm sorry,"

"I'll try to be better,"

"My love."

~930 words :)