So basically when that class ended, Melanie and I grabbed our things as if we were going to our next class. But, instead of going to English, we went to a nearby food joint. We dropped our bags off at a table within view of the school. We both sit at a small table and she sits across from me and she smirks, "So, I have got a question for you John, well, a few," she says with a warm, soft smile and a gentle chuckle, "First, why are you so easily persuaded into skipping with someone you don't know?" and she raises an eyebrow and looks at me and I can't help but laugh lightly.
"Okay, first, I'm not. I just really, really fucking hate that English teacher. Second, from what I can tell so far, you seem pretty alright. I mean, you aren't a cake-face, one point, you are probably a good music junkie, another point for you. You can seem to keep your legs closed, another, you wear actual clothes, another. Let's see, what else, ah yes, you're funny, and by the way you were in class in history, you're smart. So that's what, six points?" I tell her and she smiles as her face turns a light shade of pink.
"What do points have to do with this?" she asks with a soft giggle evident in her voice, "I mean really? What do you mean by points?"
"Everyone that I have ever come into contact with, is registered on my scale. There is no limit to good or bad, but let me put it like this, the person who is highest on this scale so far, is my dog Kino. And he is rated a a good twenty points. Now the lowest, that is going to be Bradley Hayes. That fucker is at a solid negative sixty-two." I tell her simply and she nods.
"Okay, so where does six points put me?"
"Pretty well off, you're the second closest to Kino."
"Wow, big club huh? What did you mean a 'good music junkie'?"
"A person who is a music junkie of the good music."
"Which is?"
"Well hit shuffle on your phone's music and then you'll know." I tell her and she smiles and nods.
"Alright," She takes out her phone and taps on her screen a few times then a song comes on and she sets it on the table, "okay, am I a 'good music junkie'?" she asks and I chuckle at the familiar song.
"Yes, you are."
"Good, now, what do I need to know about you?" she asks with a soft giggle and I think for a moment.
"Well, let's see, I tend to have the mouth of a sailor. Hmm, I too, am a good music junkie. I love music. I scare a lot of people. A lot of people hate me. What else do you want to know?"
"Something about maybe your family might be a bit helpful?"
"My family? Kino? What about him?" I ask and she smiles and laughs shaking her head.
"Well, about Kino, what breed is he? But I was talking siblings, mother, father. You know, that kind of stuff."
"Kino is husky-ish. And no." I say and she tilts her head in confusion.
"No? What do you mean 'No'? You couldn't actually mean what you said to that teacher, you don't live all alone."
"You're right. I don't live alone. But, if he calls my house, I have yet to train Kino on how to speak english and how to answer a phone. So he can try, but if he doesn't get anyone at home --" I say and quickly get interrupted by my phone ringing. I take it out and look at the ID and I don't have the number saved, but I know who it is, "Speak of the devil, and he shall appear." I say and smile, "Be quiet, I'm putting it on speaker." I hit the speaker button and lower my voice slightly and make it slightly more hoarse, as if I were older. "Yes?"
"Hello, this is Derrick Powell from your son's school, is this the father of John Greyson?"
"Uh, yes, this is he. Now why are you calling me?" I ask and I look to Melanie and we both shrug.
"Well sir, uh, I am calling to talk to you about your son's behavior as of recently. Now, don't get me wrong sir, he is a bright kid, but today, he told me to fuck off." he says and Melanie bites back some laughter and I do the same.
"So, whats this call about? He is exercising his rights. He has the freedom of speech doesn't he?"
"Yessir, but that's --" he starts but I cut him off and continue in my normal voice.
"Wow Derrick. Wow." is all I say and I hear a laugh on the other end.
"What kid? Surprised I found your dad?" he asks and I laugh and change my voice again.
"No, I don't have one," I clear my throat and continue in my normal voice, "I am very disappointed that you would go behind my back like that. So why are you calling me?" I say laughing a bit more and I hear a growl.
"This was the only other number on the registry for you. I tried your home phone, but got no answer." Melanie and I laugh even harder.
"Well no shit Sherlock, my dog can't answer a phone, nor can he speak english!" I say laughing more.
"You really don't have parents? Shouldn't you be in, like, foster care or in a group home? Making sure everyone you live with hated you as much as we all do at the school? I mean, the kids can let you know they hate you, but us teachers, nope. We do hate you though, just so you know." he snarls nastily and Melanie's eyes snap to mine and I don't return the glance.
"Great to know, Derrick. By the way, just to let you know, all my calls are recorded. You could lose your job for that." I spit back and hear dial tone immediately after, with a soft little "Shit" before-hand.
I look back up at Melanie and she looks at me worried and tries a warm smile and I smile back falsely, "Skipping is fun, right?" I tell her sarcastically and she lets out a soft giggle and nods.
