The Book I Can't Come Up With A Name For

Daniel: Meeting

I was late because of my mother. I live in a two-bedroom apartment on the fourth floor of the building. She's a single mom, working twelve hours a day, everyday, sometimes more. She usually works her shift at night so I only see her directly after classes and I'm usually not home after classes. But, I was.

"Daniel?" she calls for me.

"In the kitchen!" I shout and then our neighbors stomp on the ground, signaling us to shut up.

She walks in the kitchen in her suit and sets down her briefcase. She looks exhausted but also pissed.

"So.." She begins.

"So?" I question, worried about where this is going.

"Look, I know that there was a party and some kids from your school were there. I also heard they went to the E.R. to get their stomachs pumped. I also know that you weren't here last Friday, the same night the kids had their stomachs pumped. And you didn't come home..."

"Mom...." She always does this.

"Colleges know if you party. I didn't work my whole life, busting my ass the get you into college, just for you to ruin your chance with some dumb party. Not to mention to affects of alcohol on the brain.."

"Mom. I wasn't at the party," I roll my eyes.

"Then where were you?" she asks.

"I was, well, okay... I was at Abigail's."

Now she rolls her eyes, "Sweetie, this girl is no good. She's bad. Seriously. I know you can find other girls if you just look out for it."

"Mom, we aren't talking about this."

"I'm just glad you aren't drinking. But.."

"What Mom? What now."

She looked at me with such intensity, so serious. It was fucking terrifying.

"I found the pot."

"What?!" She couldn't have, I hid it so well. It wasn't even mine! It was fucking Matthews.

"What on earth makes you think it's okay to do drugs in my household?"

"I'm not!"

"I found them in your room, in your pants, in your closet."

"I am not doing drugs."

"Your grounded."

***

Abigail texted me earlier, she asked me to pick up her friend. She gave me directions and everything. When I told her no she literally found me at school and asked me personally.

"Daniel Martin!" she yelled in my face.

"I'm not picking up your friend," I answered, glaring.

"Come on this is really important!" she continued yelling.

"No."

"Daniel," she stroked my arm, my weakness. "I really need this. She needs to get out, I worry. She's a good friend, please do this for me."

"Fine, I'll get her."

***

She told me I was grounded at seven.

I saw my dad's letter on the table at seven fifteen.

"What the hell is this!" my eyes burned into my mothers.

"Danny, I was meaning to tell you."

"After sixteen years he decides to answer now! What the fuck did he want?! You know what, I don't even care... I've gotta get out of here," I pushed past her.