A Rift Between Us

Chapter 32 - Mum, Please Go Away

The pencil slammed onto his desk with a sharp crack, leaving a fissure that exposed the graphite. He released it, rubbing his eyes beneath his glasses, his face flushed red from the exertion.

How did I get this wrong? It's such an easy thing...I need to pay more attention.

He grabbed a rubber, swiftly erasing the page. The rubber tumbled away as he flicked his wrist, grabbing the cracked pencil straight after. Hasty scribbling filled the the air. His head and arm ached as he pushed aside some of the pages, skimming through them as they drifted onto the wall. One in every two sheets were filled with unanswered questions.

Oh my god...

The papers were jam-packed with preposterous ideas that contradicted everything Ms Hubbard had taught. All the others were scattered across the desk as he swept his hand across it, triggering another coughing fit.

"Sweetheeeaaart, did you hear meeeee? I asked what you wanted for dinner?"

Aggnus' voice echoed, lost in the distance between them.

"I'm not picky. You can order anything."

His chair rolled back as he sat up, his feet dragging along the carpet towards the door. His backpack was still where he had tossed it. He grabbed it and swung it through the air, the bag landing on his bed with a thud. It bounced a few times before he unzipped it, the other revision notes crumpling as he pulled them out.

Science, maths...where's English? Oh, wait.

Keiko's face surfaced in his thoughts, picturing her poring over his English notes during the first period. She had crumpled the notes in her hands before tossing them away. His eyes flicked towards his pillow, where the novel sat waiting.

So that's where I left it this morning.

He collapsed onto his bed, the pages of the novel fluttering across his face like a flip-book. Some of the themes were familiar, while others faded from his memory. He marked the page with his thumb and jogged back to his desk, grabbing his notebook and cracked pencil. He spread the novel open, his gaze shifting between the two books as he jotted down themes.

Aggnus entered his room, her phone displaying a tempting array of food options. The screen was filled with vibrant images of mouth-watering dishes: succulent sushi rolls, steaming bowls of ramen, crispy fried chicken, decadent chocolate desserts, among others. Each option seemed more enticing than the last, making it nearly impossible to decide.

"I can't seem to choose between two spicy vegetable pizzas or two grilled chicken cajuns served with a side of brown rice and steamed broccoli. What do you think, little lamb?"

Alfie's face was inches from his notebook, his right forearm flexing as his hand scribbled furiously.

"Sweetie, did you not hear me?"

His body sagged closer to the desk, a sigh escaping his mouth.

"Mum I already said I don't mind. You can order whichever one you want. Could you please give me some space? My school work is a priority right now."

A flurry of bird chirps came from Aggnus' phone. Alfie's head shot towards it as he recognised her ringtone.

"Oh, it's a call from your school."

She showed him the phone screen, the pencil dropping from his hand as his pupils dilated. 'Sterling Heights Secondary School.' This couldn't be good.