Just Once

Chapter Five

      In the end we both decided on an out of season Christmas movie. She was pretty happy with it, so really how can I not be? We sat there for god knows how long, cuddled in a blanket and listening to the overly cheery christmas songs. She was thankfully smiling again. I'm glad that even with everything going on she could still find a way for her to be happy. I just hope that her mom is okay, I'd hate for Chloe to lose her. Chloe smiled up at me, clearly enjoying the goofy children's program on the television. I'm glad my parents aren't home, they would definitely ruin this moment. I know her mom will be okay, I can just feel it in my bones.

     "Hey Alex, I just want to thank you so much for everything you've done. From agreeing to be my partner even when you didn't want one in the first place to comforting me right now," I could see her eyes glassy and red, the skin around her eyes puffy from her recent crying. She was probably even crying on her bike ride, I know she must've been rushed. When she walked in I didn't even see a helmet.

     "Of course, I couldn't just leave you hanging without a partner. And I'm also flattered you trust me so much that I'm the person you'd come to for something as big and scary as this," I replied, a small smile beginning to creep its way onto my face. Chloe saw my smile, and I guess it was pretty contagious because her own grew wider.

     "Not to pry," she started, "but why aren't your parents home?". I paused, should I tell her the truth? Probably not, she seems to be the type to worry about that I kind of thing even when she needs to worry about herself first. That's another thing great about her, she cares about other so much and puts other people's needs in front of hers.

     "They're out on a business trip. They probably won't be back until Tuesday, they said Monday in the note, but they tend to underestimate these kinds of things," I answered swiftly and shrugged it off, to tell her that it's no big deal, and not to worry over it. She nodded in understanding.

     "Okay, so should we reschedule our meeting for the project?" she asked, probably thinking my parents would be mad to hear that I had a friend over. I shook my head, they obviously wouldn't mind since it's for school.

     At school the next day, Friday, things seemed to be normal. Joan wasn't there, skipping again. Now that's the Joan I know. I may not approve of his skipping class but hey, I'm not gonna tell him how to live his life. He doesn't tell me how to live mine, so I'm only trying to return the favor. I'll only intervene if the others wish me to. I really wouldn't be surprised if Miranda made me say something. She's always worried about everyone else. Algebra went by like a breeze, I even got the homework done in class. History wasn't an issue, but I do have homework in that class. Band was perfect, I'm really improving on the flute. I need to make sure I practice this weekend. Now it's lunchtime. The best, but the worst, part of the school day. Well, to me at least. For people that don't have total weirdos for friends must enjoy lunch a lot more than I do. But hey, they may be weirdos, but they're my weirdos I guess.

     At lunch Miranda, Jen, Tillie, and Kayne were there. It seemed there was more room at the table since Joan is probably out and about doing whatever he pleases. Sometimes, I'm kind of jealous. You know, he's as free as a bird. He does what he wants and doesn't have to go to school, his life must be so exciting. But if I decided to skip class I would be in really big trouble with my parents. I'd probably be grounded until I turn 80. So I should probably just stick to school, the safe route with all my privileges give to me by my parents. No one was really talkative at all, they just kinda stared at their plates. Maybe they're tired, they may be all bummed from partying last night. I know Joan did throw a party. I was invited of course, I just decided not to go since Chloe stayed with me for so long. She went home at about 9:30 last night. I hope she isn't too tired.