Bad Memories

Chapter 2

—Tue. | September 24, 2019—

As the sunlight enters my eyes, I jump out of bed realizing that I didn't finish my homework, take a shower, or eat last night. I grab my phone and check the time. It's 6:14, meaning that I have about an hour and a half to finish all of those things.

After about an hour of scrambling, I manage to at least get answers on my Algebra and Biology worksheets, and I take a shower that's good enough where I don't smell, but I put on extra deodorant just in case.

I walk to the dining room where my Grandma is preparing a dish. "I was going to call you down for dinner last night, but you were fast asleep."

I say, a bit embarrassed, "Yeah, I guess I was really tired last night."

"It's okay. I still have the lasagna from last night, so we'll be having that for breakfast." She slides a plate in front of me as I sit down. I begin devouring large bites as soon as I can. Grandma brings her own plate to her seat and starts eating as well. "So, your grandpa and I have been talking. If you want, he's okay if we move in with him. That way, it won't be so lonely."

"What? I don't know about that," I say hesitantly.

"You'll still be going to Amaren High. It's actually closer, so you don't have to wake up so early."

"It's not that. I thought Grandpa remarried after you two... you know."

"He did, and his wife is okay with us if we move in. I've talked to her; she knows I used to be married to him. It didn't cause any issues. After all, a divorced couple usually doesn't get back together. The only thing that would keep us from moving in would be you."

"How long do I have to decide?"

"As long as you need. When you graduate, I'd be moving in anyways so that I'm not alone. You saying yes would just make that happen sooner."

"And if I say no?"

"We stay here. Simple as that."

I really don't know what I'm going to do. It would be nice to have other family members to talk to, but something's just keeping me from deciding to move. "Hopefully, I'll have a decision by the end of the week."

"Take your time, because I've got a lot of it." She looks at the clock and her face shows a bit of shock. "Oh, dear! It's 7:35. We've got to leave for school."

Grandma and I rush out of the door and drive to the high school. We pass by my grandpa's house on the way. She wasn't wrong; his house is closer to the school.

I exit the car once we reach the parking lot. My grandma gives me one of those cliche movie smiles, like the ones where their teeth lets out a small sparkle. "Enjoy your day. I love you, Kyle."

"Love you too, Grandma." I turn around and enter O-Building, where first period History is.

Susie's waiting for me by the front of the building since we have the first class together. "You're a bit late today. Rough morning?"

I shrug and nod my head. "I fell asleep earlier than usual; had to do my homework, shower, and eat breakfast in the span of 90 minutes."

"Sounds like quite the event. Come on, let's go inside. I need to sit down. My legs still hurt from softball practice yesterday."

—————

I sit down at the usual lunch table and wait for Tyler's arrival. It's been ten minutes, and he still hasn't showed up. I check my phone. There's still one message from him that I haven't read last night.