Bit by Bit

14

Oct. 20

Dear Corinne,

Rina came up to me and asked if I wanted to skip with her.

Me: fourth period?

Rina: don't we have math then?

Me: exactly.

Rina: awesome

So right before math I followed Rina down the stairs and out the door. We went to Patsy's Frozen Yogurt first, pulling our jackets tighter around ourselves to keep warm. When we walked in, the little bell above the door jingled and the smell of cleaner and sugar was overwhelming. My mind flooded with memories- sharing a sundae here with my dad on a Saturday when it was snowy out; but then when we got home, mom was gone. Completely. And she took half the stuff. She even counted out half the cutlery.

I tried to keep my mind focused on the present as I ordered. Then we walked some more. We arrived at this abandoned old house with the yard full of weeds. I followed her around back where two seniors were smoking, but it didn't smell like cigarettes. Their names are Cassie and Joel. They've been dating for four years.

Rina sat down with them and took a joint. They offered me one and watched as I choked on my first puff. Rina smiled. I didn't finish the entire joint, but we sat there talking for a long time. Then Cassie gave me a lift home, and I ran inside and showered and changed so dad wouldn't smell the pot and get suspicious.

Then he made me stew for dinner. And I ate it and didn't even care.

Love,

Leigh

105Lbs