Normality, Thy Name is Lynette

Chapter Twenty

Cassidy came in without even knocking. I still don’t know how it was possible but somehow she managed it. I could tell she had been riding before because her hair was whipped back and she was wearing all leather.

          “So, whose skull do I need to crack, Keegan’s or Darian’s?” she asked. I laughed and Maria just smiled.

          “Both.” I responded.

Cassidy smiled and sat down next to me. “Alright kid, tell me what you’re feeling. And don’t bother lying because I can see it.” She ruffled my hair. People apparently liked to do that.

I shrugged my shoulders. “I feel unloved.” I admitted, “No body just likes me for me. There is some sort of satisfaction or prize I give them that is material.” I sighed, “I wish Rain could see my future.” Maria raised her eyebrow.

          “What do you mean?” she asked.

          “Well, he said I was confusing because I had so many paths to choose from when he walked me back to class.” I explained. Maria nodded in understanding.

Cassidy rubbed my shoulder. “So, to me, it sounds like skull cracking time.” She insisted.

I just shook my head. “No, there will be no skulls that are cracked on my account.” I wagged a finger at her jokingly.

There was a knock at the door and Maria came to answer it. It was Rain. “Hey guys, do you have any pudding?” he asked.

          “Pudding?” we asked simultaneously.

          “Yeah, you know, P-U-D-D-I-N-G, it’s that gloppy stuff that tastes good. I like chocolate the best.” Maria pulled him out a package of pudding while Jamie looked at him with disgust and Cassidy and I laughed hysterically.

          “Rain, haven’t you graduated?” I asked.

          “Yeah, but I am waiting to go to college with Maria.” He said, kissing her on the cheek.

          “But the Warren provides a special college for us that we HAVE to attend.” Cassidy pointed out.

Rain glared at her playfully. “Well…shut up.” He sat down and then thought of a valid reason, “Keegan may change things.” He pointed out.

I sighed. “Yeah, Keegan changes a lot of things.” I grumbled.

Cassidy pulled me up. “You know what, Lynette? I am taking you biking. I have a spare jacket in the bag I keep on it. Come on.”

She drug me out the door to her ‘baby.’ I put the leather jacket and helmet on and climbed behind her. Her purple helmet blocked my vision for a minute, but I situated to where I could see. We sped off.

          Cassidy wasn’t wrong, the ride was very calming. I looked at all the pine trees and great views on the way until we stopped at my aunt’s burger joint.

          “Why are we here?” I asked.

She grinned. “Because I know your aunt runs this place and I want some cheap food.” She said.

          “But how did you…” she cut me off and pointed to her head.

          “Right.” I said in understanding.

We walked in and my aunt came up to me. “Hey there, Lynette! So what came up during the summer?” she asked with her hands on her hips.

          “Oh, sorry Auntie. I was called to Texas for a big family talk.” I said. She smiled.