Fly Away Girl

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

Emmy

***

Friday is McClinton's first football game of the season. I decide to go, since I'm required to go to three sporting events throughout the school year. They fed me some line about school spirit, but in reality I think they just need better attendance. I wear one of Joss's sweatshirts. It's huge on me.

"Sammy!" I call. It's almost five o'clock. If he doesn't show up soon I'll have to take all the kids with me.

He doesn't show up. Joss and Iggy do, though, since they are my means of transportation.

They sit in the kitchen while I instruct all the kids, who are with me in the living room.

"Sofia, go get dressed in jeans and a sweater and a winter coat and tennis shoes. Lucas, you do the same. Then I want you to get the twins ready in something warm, okay? I'll take care of Rosa."

They nod and dart up the stairs. Rosa and the twins stay with me.

"Emmy," Martin squeals. I pick him up and give him a peck on the cheek. He giggles.

I change Rosa into a thick coat and put her shoes on.

In ten minutes everyone's ready to go. Joss's truck is a four door. I insist that Rosa, Maria, and Martin get the backseat and Lucas gets the passenger. that way only Sofia, Iggy and I have to ride in the truck bed.

Iggy and I make small talk on the way to McClinton while Sofia plays a game on Iggy's phone. Sofia gasps as we pull into the packed parking lot.

"You go to school here?" she asks me.

I nod.

"Lucky. It's so pretty!"

"I guess," I respond doubtfully.

We unload the truck.

"I'll take the kids to the bleachers," Iggy tells me. "I wanna see how these private school pansies are at football."

I smile as Iggy takes the twins and Lucas over to the bleachers. Joss and I take Sofia and Rosa over to the concession stand where a long line is stretched out.

"Hey! Emmy!"

I turn to see Tyler walking toward me with Carter.

"Hey, guys." Joss and I exchange a look. Neither of us are in the mood.

"This is my friend Joss," I say. "Joss, this is Tyler and Carter. And this is my sister Sofia. And this is my other sister Rosa." I turn so they can see a drowsy Rosa, who is sucking on a green pacifier.

Everyone says hi and we're engulfed in a very awkward silence. Tyler and Carter get in line behind us. Joss and I buy candy and popcorn for everyone and he takes Rosa and Sofia to the bleachers.

"Did you sign in yet?" Carter asks me.

"What?"

"You have to sign in so they know you came. It's like attendance."

"Oh. Where do I do that?"

"At the front gate. We'll walk you there."

Tyler flanks my right side and Carter is to the left of me.

"How do you know that guy?" Tyler sounds curious, not invasive.

"He's my friend. Well, best friend. He and my other best friend, Iggy, drove me here."

"Oh. It seemed like you were...like, together."

I don't miss the look that Carter flashes Tyler.