After two tries Mr. Sawyer started up his car and we were backing out of his driveway slowly. I was in the middle of waiting for Darnell to answer when Jess started snoring loudly.
“I don’t think she’s one of my students, but if she were, I doubt I’d ever see her the same again.”
I smiled and shrugged, “You get used to it.”
After a few rings they picked up.
“Oh my God Ally, you had us all scared shitless!” Mark breathed into the phone. I heard Darnell yell at him to hand over the phone in the background. After some fumbling his voice came loud and clear.
“Where are you Al? I’m about to get off the highway now. Please tell me you guys are safe.”
“Yeah, yeah we are.” I glanced at Mr. Sawyer and our eyes met as I prepared to tell my cover story. “A taxi was dropping someone off down the street so I ran and asked them if they wouldn’t mind dropping us off.”
“A taxi, Ally? Are you serious? Do you know how much that’s going to cost?”
“Well he told me the estimate, but when he saw how desperate I was he said he’d turn the meter off halfway.”
He scoffed, “Allison no one is that kind nowadays. Get out the taxi and I’ll come get you. He probably wants in your pants.”
I peeked out the corner of my eye at Mr. Sawyer and saw his whole face flush bright red. Guess my phone is a little loud.
“Darnell, not everyone thinks with their penis. The driver is honestly concerned with my well being. If something happens I’ll call the cops before he can think of being a dirty old man.” I sighed and promised to call him when I got home before he could protest anymore.
“So that’s taken care of right?” Mr. Sawyer commented when I hung up.
With a deep sigh I nodded. “Hopefully he’ll tell everyone else because I don’t feel like going through all that again.” My phone made a noise and the screen went blank, “Oh and my cell is dead. Wonderful.”
“At least you got to explain things before it died. That would be very bad if you had no way of communicating.”
“A valid point, Mr. Sawyer.”
His eyebrows scrunched together as he stared at the street ahead. I looked forward to see what he was looking at but saw nothing but open road. I wonder what that face is for…
After a few minutes of complete silence he cleared his throat to speak.
“I don’t mean to pester, but I haven’t heard from Darnell, I was just wondering if you passed along my message?”
“Crap!” I slapped my forehead, “I totally forgot, sir. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, it’s just your brother’s college education.” He replied with a nervous chuckle.
The statement hit me like a sucker punch. Was he was implying that I was toying with Darnell’s future on purpose? I mean, as much as Darnell and I fight, I’d never ruin his future out of spite.
“Things have been pretty hectic this week sir.” I said with unintended malice.
His head shot towards me, “Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that! I was just kidding. I mean the statement is true but the way I said it was pretty harsh. I meant it to be more…” He sighed deeply, “I told you my humor is dry when I’m anxious.”
“That doesn’t really change much. You still said it.” Although it still hurt, there was a hint of humor (funny humor, not Sawyer humor) in my voice.
YOU ARE READING
Risking the Fall to Gain it All
أدب المراهقينAllison Grant wasn't having the best of days. It was pouring down with rain and she had no feasible ride home. William Sawyer always believed in helping someone no matter the consequences. So it was a no-brainer when he saw a student sitting on the...
