Blue Christmas

Chapter 4- "As ready as I'll ever be."

The final bell rings and the class starts to run towards the door, "remember! Tomorrow may be the last day before winter break, but it is also finals day! Make sure you're here," the teacher yells over the already growing noise levels.

I put my earbuds in my ears and walk towards the gym, where Zeke was currently in the middle of his basketball practice. I sit on a bench outside the gym and pull out my homework for Algebra 2.

Multiple people pass me on their way out of their last classes of the day. Some give me strange looks, some smile, and some wave good-bye. I ignore most of them, only shooting a fake, friendly smile at the one's I know.

A few hours pass before Zeke finally comes out with his basketball team, covered in sweat and still in his uniform. I pull out my ear buds when he sees me, "I'll catch up with you guys later," he tells his teammates before running over to me. They all make childish sounds including 'oohs' and 'ahs' and whistles. "Sorry about them," he tells me.

I smile, sliding my math notes back in my bag, "it's fine."

He grabs my bag from the ground and slings it on his shoulder, probably stinking it up with sweat. I follow him out the front doors, wrapping my arms around myself, "not that I'm not happy to see you, but why did you wait for me?"

"I don't want to see my mom right now. I don't want to have to argue with her." Zeke locks his car as I get ready to open the passenger door, "what's that for?"

"I get why you don't want to see your mom right now, but you can't shut her out. I get where she's coming from, but it doesn't mean she's right."

"You can't talk, you don't even live with your parents."

"And there are days that I regret moving out. Trust me, it can really stink not having a parent to talk to."

I cross my arms and glare, causing Zeke to laugh, "what?"

He smiles at me, "you're cute when you're annoyed," I stare at him, not moving a muscle. He sighs, "what if I come with you, will that make you feel better?"

"Can you just let me in the car? It's cold out here."

Zeke sighs, contemplating the idea in his head. "How about this: if you talk to your mom and things don't work out, you can pack your things and come stay with me in my apartment. I have a guest room that's just sitting there, it's all yours if you want it."

I pull the sleeves of my sweater over my hands, "fine, but can we get something to eat first. I didn't eat breakfast... or lunch."

Zeke unlocks his car and I take my seat on the passenger side as Zeke throws my bag in the back, "why didn't you eat lunch?"

"Didn't bring any money with me."

"What were you doing all lunch period?"

"Reading."

Zeke turns the heat on in his car, "you do have the money to eat lunch, right?"

I nod my head, "yeah, I told you about my internship over the summer, didn't I?"

"You did, but I still worry about you when you don't eat."

Zeke continues to drive until he reaches the menu in the drive through of Arby's. "Hello, welcome to Arby's. What can I get for you tonight," the voice is female, very unenthusiastic.

"I'll take a double roast beef sandwich and a medium Pepsi."

"That'll be $5.67 at the second window."

Zeke continues his way through the drive through and hands me my food, I smile at him, "I can't believe that you remembered that."

"That is the only thing you order whenever we come here, plus I have a good memory."

I reach in the bag and pull out my roast beef sandwich, taking a small bite and savoring it. "You know, I'm actually not worried about my dad today," I look at Zeke, whose eyes are focused on the road ahead of him. "I bet he's alright, out there, saving lives. He's always had such a kind heart, always wanting put himself before anyone else. I bet he's fine." I see Zeke smile just slightly as he comes to a stop in front of my house, "what?"

"I'm glad you're finally realizing that. Are you ready for this?"

I open the door and step out into the cold, "as ready as I'll ever be."