It's Just High School

Chapter 21

“Afternoon.” I said to her as she wipes her eyes.

“What time is it?”

I looked at my watch reflexively even though I already know what time is it “About five.” I told her after.

“How far are we from town?” She asked as she straightened her glasses on her face.

“About thirty minutes from where you’ll work.” I answered.

“I’d like to miss work today actually,” She said like she was going to say something more. She looked in me in the eyes and gave me a soft smile.

“But you have to go to make a living.” I said to her, knowing that that’s what she meant to say.

She hugged her knees closer to her chest and looked away from me. “Yes. Unfortunately I have to.” She answered with retreat, her voice full of regret and defeat of the fact.

She needed comforting. “Is there something wrong?” I asked her. I instinctively wrapped my arms around her, to blanket her with my warmth.

“I realize now that my life is hard.” She answered.

“Haven’t you accepted that before?” I asked puzzled.

“I have. But now, it’s not just me that’s in it.” She answered. “I’m dragging people into it. You more importantly.”

“Don’t think like that baby.” I said through her hair. “We’ll figure something out eventually. Maybe we can put you in to one of our businesses or find you new work, or there has to be something.”

“I’ve been looking for new work angel, but there’s just not anyone out there hiring, especially minors.” She took a deep breath then added “And no offence angel, but I don’t like the idea working for my boyfriend. It feels like I’m a gold digging whore after your money.”

“Don’t think like that baby, but if you’re uncomfortable with it, I won’t force you.” I said to her. Actually, I’m not confident that I could convince dad to find work from any of our businesses. The way he sounded yesterday, he was ready to throw daggers at Sam when he sees her.

There is also the issue that dad might be moving to make something out of Sam. He never likes the idea that his children are going wayward. And he never tolerated anyone making life difficult for his children. I know that they’d never done anything against anyone, but I suspect that they flexed their influence one way or the other to get what they want. Those kids back then didn’t just stopped or went away without good reason when Christian had been in a bad crowd. Christian never talked about it, but he had since supported dad.

“Is there something troubling you?” Sam asked.

“Nothing. Just, your work.” I told her. I didn’t want to alarm her on what I might just be overthinking of. She has a lot more things that she’s worrying about. I don’t want to add anything more to that. “Come on. I’ll drive you to where you’ll work today.”

“Thank you.” Was all she said, but she seems to be retracting again.

“We’ll find something baby.” I told her again, rubbing both of her arms. Even if we don’t tell anything, I know that both of us are thinking of the same thing; she can’t continue living like this.

“Angel, I’d like that drive now.” She said to me. My tension loosened with her little diversionary request. It didn’t sound like her at all, but the enthusiasm laced on her voice didn’t hide the hint that she is trying to sound unaffected of our cuddling. It’s actually new that she was the one who initiated to lighten the mood. It made me smile a little.