Nobody Said Life Was Going to be Easy. And I, Should Have Known Better

12: Fun at Home

The next morning I was looking at my outfit in the mirror when I noticed a black mark on the underside of my cast. I examined it closer. Someone had wrote on it with black marker. But how...when? It read: "Get better soon. I'm sorry I didn't catch you. -Todd" I smiled to myself and finished getting ready.

From the moment I stepped onto the school bus people stared and bombarded me with questions. It was as if they never saw anyone before wiht a broken bone. By the time I got off the bus, I was tired of answering questions. I scuffed into art class and sighed as I sat down.

"What's wrong 'Lisey?"

"Just tired of people asking what happened."

"I'm surprised they don't already know. Craig got suspended for it."

"Good."

Todd gave me a sideways hug. I then realized my handicap. Thankfully painting isn't too hard with a cast but the rest of my classes would be a pain. I didn't have to do a lot with my painting anyway so I got to stay at the table with Todd who was onto the next project. I started working on fixing shading and such and everyonce in awhile I caught Todd looking at me. I smiled to myself and casually reached over and stole his pencil. Before he could protest I wrote on a scrap peice of paper 'thanks for being the first to sign my cast.'

"You're welcome"

"So are we hanging out today?"

"Sure"

"It won't get you in trouble right?"

"Don't worry about it."

I thought about protesting but I didn't want to make him upset. He kept bumping his leg with mine underneath the table.

The rest of the day passed like the morning with looks and questions. I couldn't relax until I found myself outside standing near Todd's truck waiting for him. Most of the students left already and I was starting to get worried. I pulled my cell out to text him when all of a sudden I was grabbed from behind. When I tried to scream a hand covered my mouth. I soon heard laughter. I whipped around to see Todd trying to hold in fits of giggles.

"That was not funny!" I yelled

"Yes it was...your face was priceless!"

"No it wasn't!" Suddenly without even trying, I remembered something.

I was sitting playing with a doll when my real mother came in, looking ratty and mean. All of a sudden I was grabbed harshly and pulled up by my hair.

"You better get those drugs outta here if you want our daughter to be alive."

"'Lisey? Annalise! What's going on?"

I came back to reality to see Todd completely serious, holding my face tenderly.

"Please don't do that again."

"Okay, I won't. What happened?"

"Nothing, just a memory"

"Tell me."

Todd's arms were now wrapped around me. I told him my flashback. By the end of my story I was in his arms being hugged.

"I'm so sorry Annalise. I wouldn't let anything happen to you."

I smiled taking comfort in his words.

"I better call Mrs. Jones and let her know I'm not coming home for awhile.

"Hello?"

"Hi Mrs. Jones. It's Annalise."

"Hi dear."

"I was just calling to let you know I won't be home for awhile. Todd and I are hanging out."