Checkmate, Ma Lionne

Chapter Three.

"So? That neighbourhood is full of illegal stuff."

"No one ever calls the police?" I asked.

"Not if they want to keep their tongue. Or their life."

"You're exaggerating. It's just an abandoned neighbourhood."

"Actually, I heard that if you go there on Halloween. You never come back."

"Shut up, Amy." Ethel butted in. "It's just an abandoned neighbourhood." she reassured me. "Ignore her."

Today was the very last day of school. I had gotten my car back so I never had to walk through that cursed neighbourhood ever again.

My father and brother were coming to visit me tomorrow and I hadn't seen them since last year. I would be damned if I let that asshole get to me right now.

"Thanks, Ethel." 

Amy and me were in Ethel's classroom, helping her get all her extra stuff in boxes. Ethel was going to start teaching sixth graders next year and was switching rooms. As much as I didn't want to stay here any longer, I knew wouldn't be able to get it done without me.

"Is that the last one?" Ethel asked, pointing at the box I was holding.

I looked down, remembering what I was doing. "Oh, yes." I said, picking it up and handing it to her.

"Thanks for helping me out, you two. I'd be here all night if it wasn't for you guys."

"It's no problem." I said, giving her a hug once she sat it down on top of the others.

"Good luck with the sixth graders."

"Oh, they'll be a breeze. Good luck with that new batch of seventh graders."

"Thanks." I said. "I gotta get home so I can't help with getting these in your car but you should suffice without me this time."

"Of course. Have a good summer."

"You too." I said, grabbing my bag and heading out to my car.