Let Me Go

Chapter 3 - Unexpected

CONNOR

I flicked back to the beginning of ‘The Kite Runner’ and my weary eyes began reading again. The pages had become crimpled and flimsy from my intent grasp. I raised the book to my face and breathed in its satisfying aroma. I had an English lit A-level the next day and I was cramming in some unnecessary last minute revision.  Releasing a deep sigh, I lay my book on my round, pine bedside table and sluggishly sealed my eyes.

I thought about tomorrow and what the exam may entail. I knew the book well and I wasn’t worried. Miss Roberts was an excellent teacher, despite what my classmates may snigger as she walks past. To be honest I can’t blame them for being jealous, she makes no attempt to cover up the fact that I’m her favourite student.  Then again I am the only one who really listens to her. Perhaps the others find it difficult to maintain focus when she’s speaking. She’s extremely intellectual to say the least. That’s why I make a special effort to pay attention because I find her truly extraordinary.

Ever since her first class she has been recommending her favourite books and poetry to me. This later led to her bringing me in her books from home, giving me extra notes and eventually offering me after school tuition. She could read me so well. She knew when I wanted to be invisible at the back of the class, with my head buried in a book or when I wanted to spend the hour exchanging literature. That’s what I loved about Miss Roberts; I could just be when I was with her. There’s no expectation from me, we just enjoyed each other’s company.

My eyes flicked open, glancing wearily at my digital clock. It was nearly ten so I decided it would be a good idea to get some sleep. I stretched out my arm to fiddle for the lamp when I heard shouts from outside.

'Fuck you mum. I fucking hate you! Did you just forget to tell me that we were moving back here.. to this fucking shit hole?!' It was a girl, about sixteen or seventeen at a guess...

'Please don't do this now, you'll wake up the neighbours, lets just go inside.' I quietly chuckled to myself at the woman's hushed tone... she sounded absolutely terrified!

'You still havent answered my question.. why?' She spat through what sounded like gritted teeth, making no attempt whatsoever to be quiet.

'Because I knew you wouldn't come!' She snapped.

'Too right I wouldn't! What the fuck possessed you to bring us back here? I mean you've done some pretty fucked up things in your life mum but this really cuts it... please dont be shy... enlighten me!' Her dry sarcasm had me biting my pillow to suffocate the laughter crawling up my throat. 

And that was when I realised what she had just said... back.

'Please Grace...' She was swallowing back sobs. It was quick but you couldn't mistake it; the sound of a hand smacking against flesh and the sharp gasp that followed.