Gangbanger Study-Buddy

Parks and Promises

Although weekends are normally seen as a sacred and peaceful time, I have never quite understood the right variables in which to make them so wonderful. I personally would rather power through in the hopes of getting things done faster, but for some reason this particular weekend seems like a blessing sent from the Pop-Tart Gods themselves.

Dante's outburst yesterday left me feeling drained and a little overwhelmed. In fact, I would not complain if the weekend happened to last until the end of summer if it meant I didn't have to deal with his attitude anymore.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts when I feel a tug on the hem of my tank top. Standing there in a My Little Pony t-shirt is Lily.

And she's not happy.

"You pwomised to take me to the park," she huffs while looking up at me through her lashes.

Crap. I completely forgot.

"Your right, kiddo," I say as I bend down so we're at eye level. "Go get your shoes on and if you can make it back here in forty-five seconds I'll buy you an ice cream cone."

With this prize in mind she scurries up the stairs to get her shoes. I don't bother to time her, knowing that I'm going to get her ice cream whether she makes it back in time or not.

As I wait for Lily I walk into the kitchen for some Pop-Tarts, just in case I get hungry while at the park. As I reach for the box I can't help but remember Dante's look of disgust when he saw the snack. Who in their right mind hates Pop-Tarts?

I hear little foot stomps hastily descending the stairs and quickly dispel the Italian boy from my mind. He has no right to invade my thoughts when it's my weekend away from him.

As I walk back to the front door I see Lily with her hands planted on her knees gasping for air with a wide grin and bright eyes.

"Did...I make...it in...time?" She pants, eager for my reply. I pretend to look at the time on my watch and say, "Just in time!"

She lets out a squeel while jumping up and down. I laugh at her excitement then crouch down so she can jump on my back.

"You ready?" I ask whilst opening the door. I hear a little yelp of joy in my ear.

I'll take that as a yes.

°°°

By the time we arrive at the park my shirt is drenched in sweat and I'm gasping for air. Despite her small frame, Lily has the density of a brick. Probably even three bricks. When I set her down it feels like my back cries out in relief.

She scurries off to the playground and I hobble over to the bench that rests a few paces away under an oak tree. Upon reaching my bench I pull out my medical book and begin reading.

Ever since summer started I haven't been able to focus due to the brown eyed distraction otherwise known as Dante. In fact, this is the first time I've really had any time to study and I still can't seem to focus on the words in front of me.

It bothers me knowing that Dante, like me, has free time to do whatever he pleases. I'm afraid that he's messing with whatever, or whomever, it is that gave him that limp the other day.

It's not your business, Paz. You're just his tutor. What he chooses to do outside of the learning center is his prerogative. If he wants to get into fights, sell drugs, or whatever, so be it.

But I can't seem to think of anything else but Dante. I sigh and look up to check on Lily.

She's gone.