It's Just High School

Chapter 24

“When I get back, I want and explanation from you and Sam.” He said nothing more and then the line was cut. I looked at my phone expecting another call back but nothing came.

I looked at the distance to try and think about what dad said. Knowing him, Sam must have been why he was there in the first place, and when he doesn’t get what he was hunting for, he goes extra aggressive on his next attempt.  That was too snappy for a head hunt. He’s fishing for something or planning something else.

My phone rang again and I looked over who’s calling now. Brad’s face flashed over the screen and I answered hesitantly. “Brad.”

“Is Sam still with you?” He asked.

“Yeah.”

“Good. I thought for a second dad found you already. He left for a few days out. Mom is on a business trip too. They both sound frustrated but they left me responsible to have you and Sam’s ass in the library by the time they get back.”

“Why?” Confusion and apprehension mixed into my question.

“I don’t know. But something like that, it’s unusual. Look around you Leo. Watch over things. I don’t know if dad made any other moves. Christian and Leila’s been asking around if he did, nothing came up so far.”

“You make it look like were criminals Brad.”

“Might as well treat yourself like one when you annoyed dad. You know how he is.”

“Yeah.”

“Are you going home tonight?”

“Depends. Am I welcome home?”

“I’ll call Leila. See if he can bring you some clothes. Or anything else you two need.”

“Thanks Brad.”

“Don’t thank me yet. You might get into more trouble out of this.”

After that, he cut the line and the familiar sound of busy tone echoed in my ears. It may sound as if I’m not welcome anymore, but I know it’s just because dad’s pissed. They’re kicking me out, for my own good maybe, and for Sam’s. It doesn’t sit well with me that I’ll be spending another night with Sam. She’ll know for sure, but I don’t have much of a choice. Everyone is either doing something today or was out. It’s a Friday, and not everyone just sits around brooding over their father going after their girlfriend.

I looked over the diner and weighed the idea if I should tell her the truth or should I just lie about it. Telling her the truth would save me the trouble of making an excuse why I’m staying. That would also mean seeing her worried. Lying to her on the other hand gives that guilt wrenching feeling. Rarely do I ever need to lie about anything because I don’t need to explain anything to anyone, but whenever I do lie, I make it count. And I make it believable. But the prospect of lying to Sam over something she’s concerned about, I just don’t know. I’d like to protect her from the truth but does it bring anything good?

A tone interrupted my thoughts and figured that it was a text from my phone. Reading over, it was from Leila, telling me to pick-up my things after six. It’s already five, and that means she’ll be launching a flock of messages half an hour from now.

Sam would have started working by now. I peered over the window and decided that I should at least say that I would be going somewhere. I walked in and Paul gave me nod over Sam’s direction. I gave him a nod mouthing a ‘thanks’ to him. Sam was humming while she was washing the dishes, and I took a moment to appreciate how she is. There were just too many things that I hadn’t seen her done, and humming was a surprise. She looked over me and gave me a little smile, and I couldn’t hide the guilty smile that formed on my face. I approached over Sam and gave her a little embrace.