Identify Normal | Stand By Me

Nothing Normal

Hey you guys! Sorry that it's been a while, but life can get in the way. I hope you all enjoy, and let me know what you think.

Chapter 3

John's Pov

That was one weird night, and I remember it far too well. Sadie's dad looked mighty uncomfortable pulling up to my place. I got out, but before I shut the door he began to talk.

"Listen here Merrill," he started gruffly; "I don't want Sadie getting in more trouble." After a moment I nodded. "Look, you're her friend, and as much as I don't like that, I can't change it. Don't ruin her, John. If you were only more like Dennis Lach-" I cut him off.

"I'm not Lachance." I said stiffly.

"Hell, that's for sure, but don't ruin my daughter. I know she likes ya, don't screw it up." I raised an eyebrow. She likes me?

"Don't get your head in the clouds Merrill."

"I never would." I retorted, turning to my house.

"Good." He said. "One more thing." I turned back and he raked a hand through his hair. "It'd be best if you didn't bring any of this up to Sadie." Without another word I turned back and walked up to my house, hearing Sadie's dad drive off. Before I made it to the door it swung open and I saw my mom, still wearing her white nurse uniform.

Shit.

"John, are you alright?" she asked worriedly. Phew, she's not mad.

"Yeah." Was the only answer I gave her. That night I couldn't help but let my head get in the clouds.

Sadie's Pov

That following week was weird from the start. That Sunday I had to be home all day and do chores around the house to make up for the trouble I caused. Dad also said that I was grounded from seeing John for a while. That will be difficult, because I have school with him. Dad won't keep me away from seeing my friends, especially not John.

On my way to school that Monday I spotted John immediately and ran over to him. When I asked if he was okay, he shrugged his shoulders and merely said that he got home faster than he had expected. From then on, John asked how my dad took it out on me. He always changes the subject now when I bring up how sorry I am because of that day. Maybe I should leave it alone now.

At home it was weird too, because dad was out later than he ever was before. It wouldn't have been noticeable if it was only one night, but now he was out later every night. Half of the time I don't even see him come home before I go to bed. Another thing that was out of the ordinary was that when dad would come home before I was in bed mom would leave. It was like she couldn't stand being there the same time as him. I have no idea what my mom does when she leaves the house. I hope she is okay though.

I could tell that Chris and Rich knew that something was wrong too, so we were closer to each other. When Chris would get hurt he would come to me instead of mom. Rich would tell me all of the great things he would do in a day instead of going to tell dad. I wish I had someone to go to. I mean, I know that I can tell John and Denny anything, but I wish that I could tell a grown up.

Because dad was home a lot later he wouldn't know that I'd hang out with John afterschool most days. We could go to his place where we'd get the best food in the world. His mom was amazing at cooking, but she worked as a nurse in the tiny doctors' office in town. She was always nice to us and I loved it. We'd also go to our fort when the weather was nice to just get away.

John acted a little different too. There would be subtle things to give it away, like how he would try and stand up taller or talk with more power. He also would pay more attention when we would talk. I mean, he always paid attention, but now he would show it by looking me in the eye more and by sitting up straighter. It wasn't bad, just different.