Sweet Maple Pines

Chapter Sixteen: M.I.A

I don't go to school after I'm done kneading the pie dough. I walk home which is a short walk now that I actually know the way.

Once I reach the neighborhood, I search for Matthew so I can ask why he lied to me about Kenneth going home sick.

I ask the kids folding up paper planes and they point at a bright blue house. I thank them and stroll across the street to it.

"Hi, I'm here for Matthew," I practice walking up the porch.

I raise my hand to ring the doorbell but the door swings open and Matthews adoptive mother smiles down at me.

"Is Matthew here?"

"Oh, no. He's at school, shouldn't you be?" She frowns

"Your absolutely right" I fake a smile backing off her porch

He's not at school. That's the last place he'll be. So where is he? Mabye he went back to my place.

I take off down the street for my house. Sweating and breathing like a maniac.

I burst through my front door calling for Matthew. I'm about to rush up stairs when Dad comes out of nowhere looking at me sternly.

"Morris, shouldn't you be at school?"

"Look, Dad. I don't know the way and it's a long walk." I lie easily

"Where have you been then?" He stops giving me his death stare

"Helping Debra" I pant

"Morris-"

"Dad, I know you not going to believe me but I will try anyway. Tomorrow, judges and people from everywhere will be trying this towns pie. If they win their pie will be on shevles everywhere. You have to understand these pies are not normal. They are like alien pies, they change you! "

"Aliens? Really? So everyone here are Martains?" Dad laughs

"I'm serious!" I tell him

"Morris, there is nothing wrong here. We just had a meeting about this yesterday. This is a big deal for them just like forming a neighborhood watch even though nothing happens here." Dad chuckles

"Please! Believe me. I'm not lying." I say

"Morris, I've eaten the pies. Nothing is wrong with them."

I tried. It hopeless. I should of left with Matthew.