Spade

Fun Friday

"Argh! That AP History test was brutal," Liz complained to me as we walked out of school. It was one of the classes I didn't have with her but I could imagine.

"Thank God it's Friday," I laughed, opening my car door. On Fun Fridays, the host always drove the other to and from school so a car wasn't left behind. We practically went everywhere together so it really didn't matter anyway.

"I cannot wait to get my pajamas on, eat my pizza and waffles, and pop in a movie," Liz sighed, resting her head on the headrest. Oh yeah. Waffles, for dinner. It's they way we've always done it, and neither of us have ever thought about changing it.

"We have to pick Benny up, right?" Liz asked, eyes already closed.

"Unfortunately," I sighed, pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road, towards the direction of his school.

"Wake me when we get to the house, please," she mumbled, finally drifting off completely. The car plunged into silence. This was typical of Liz, but I didn't mind because it meant she would be awake later on tonight.

Like her, I had multiple tests today. It was one thing I like about my school. It's like the teachers knew that kids wouldn't do their homework over the weekend if they assigned any so they just moved it around so we don't have to. And although I was tired myself, I never slept willingly during the day because I always woke up too grumpy to do anything.

I was glad that today was a pretty good day at school. Jason seemed extremely tired today and not really in a talkative mood so he basically just followed me around like a second shadow. I would have completely forgotten about him if it were not that I could hear his soft snores next to me whenever we were in class. At the end of each period I would almost be out the door but then remember I had left him behind and would have to go back and wake him up. Each time he gave me the same charming smile, a more or less tired version, (which I ignored) and gathered his books.

When I finally asked him at lunch what was up he vaguely told Liz and I that he had accidentally forgotten to do his homework and stayed up half the night making it up. I thought it was a little odd because a normal person would just do it the next morning in homeroom, but said nothing because I didn't want to embarrass him.

The rest of the day passed as it normally would; learning, homework, tests.

As I pulled into the driveway at Benny's school, I noticed that it would be a rather difficult task getting back out. Fridays were the busiest day for middle school parking lots because parents just getting off work were eager to get home and start their short weekends. I pulled into one of the few empty spots, my car still idling, and waited.

Luckily for me, Benny was already outside the school looking around for my car. I gave a slight honk to get his attention. Liz stirred in her sleep but didn't wake up.

Looking in my direction, he caught sight of me and started my way. Just as he stepped onto the crosswalk a flash of silver flew right by him, making him disappear for a second. A flurry of other cars horns followed the now visible pilot driving away. Many of the parents in their cars yelled after the car, shouting about going slow in a school zone. The parents of younger kids, who were waiting outdoors, called out to see if Benny was okay.

I was already out of the car by then and racing to Benny's side. I hadn't even bothered to turn the car off. I was just out and running before I had time to think.

Benny was still standing upright, but he was back on the sidewalk and looking a little dazed.

"Are you okay?" I said frantically, checking him for any cuts or bruises.