Two By Two

Chapter 7

Jamie smiled as Kassidy's fingers rapidly spoke words. He listened intently as she told him about what school was like and everyone in school. She was in the middle of talking about the classes when his phone buzzed.

He held out a finger for her to pause signing. She smiled politely as he pulled his phone out of his jean pocket.

The smile that Kassidy had given him quickly turned into a frown as he read the text message from his mom.

She was staying at her moms again this weekend because dad had kicked her out. Jamie has no doubt he was at home drinking again. He hates his dad, a year after the boating incident he started treating Jamie like he was a disappointment. He wasn't good enough to be his son.

His anger got the better of him and he turned to drinks which led to him yelling at Jamie's mom. Jamie wanted to step in to stop the fighting at all times but was too scared.

He wished his mom would take him and his brothers with her but she promised dad wouldn't hurt them, just her.

Jamie tucked his phone away and signed, I'm really sorry but I have to go home. It's important.

Kassidy nodded and stood up with him brushing her shorts off, Is everything okay?

Jamie nodded and signed, I'll message you later.

He took off on his walk and a million thoughts bombarded his mind. What did his dad do this time? Did he hit her again? Are Jack and Eli okay?

He reached the front door and opened it cautiously.

Jamie walked past the kitchen and saw his father talking into the phone. The way his hand was moving in the air and the expression on his face it seemed more like he was yelling.

Not wanting to be a bother he watched from across the living room. His dad looked up and noticed him. He waved a hand at him to go away and Jamie frowned.

Retreating up the stairs he once again wished he wasn't deaf so he could hear what was going on.

His dad was no doubt yelling in Spanish just like always when he's angry.

He opened his brothers shared room and found that they weren't home. He sighed in relief and took out his phone to text his mom.

J- I'm home

M- can you go somewhere else? I told the boys to sleepover a friends house.

J- I don't have friends.

M- what about that Kassidy girl.

J- She's a GIRL, mom!!

M- I'll ask her mom. Hold on a sec honey.

Jamie sighed and lowered his phone and his head fell onto his desk. He didn't understand what she didn't get about him saying she was a girl in all capital letters. It wasn't that he thought it would be inappropriate, just awkward.

His phone buzzed once more and he read the text: You can go over there in two hours for dinner she said. I'll pick you up at nine tomorrow morning and take you to nan's.

Jamie groaned and didn't respond. He pulled a bag out of his closet and put his clothes inside to take to Kassidy's house. Putting a book in there he wondered why his mom  never told him how close of friends she was with Kassidy's mom. He felt the vibrations on the floor and opened his door to find his dad, sweat beads running down his face.

His dad pushed past him and picked up the notepad and pen on Jamie's desk. He scribbled the words; I'm going out stay here, on the paper.

Jamie but his tongue not wanting to lie but he nodded his head. His father set the objects down and walked out the door.

Jamie logged into Facebook wondering if Kassidy had said anything about him coming over. He frowned, surprised she hadn't said anything.

Maybe she doesn't know, he thought to himself.

He opened a game on his phone and started playing, his eyes flicking up to gaze at the clock ever so often.

When it reached five o'clock he put his backpack on and walked down the street to her house.

He waited a few minutes, his feet tapping on the steps bravest him. He was nervous. This was the first time he was going to a girls house and he was extremely nervous.

He knocked on the door and five seconds later was met with a surprised Kassidy.