Mute
I don’t stay after school when it reopens. I usually would stay after and watch the other kids but I don’t need to. Instead I observe how much the members of Super Six change. Hunter went from being immature and goofy to being helpful and kind. I respect him for that. It probably wasn’t easy for him to get over his grief for Katy. I talk to him once in a while. I don’t have many friends but I’d consider him one. He may only be twelve and I’m sixteen but age doesn’t matter. Maturity does. We talk about a lot with each other. Sports, video games, Super Six and girls. I don’t have a crush on anyone. It’s not that I think I’m too young to have a girlfriend; I just don’t see the point of dating until college. Hunter scarcely brings up Katy in our conversations which doesn’t surprise me. Even though he had to deal with the pain of losing someone he’s still pretty innocent. He doesn’t understand everything quite yet. He makes dirty jokes but doesn’t even know what they mean.
“Attention Le Café workers,” B.B announces one day in the kitchen of Le Café. “I don’t want to make untrue assumptions but I noticed that there’s money missing from the cash register,” he begins. We all exchange glances. “I know you’re all nice kids but I just would like to know if any of you have been taking money,” He looks at all of us. “Owning a restaurant isn’t cheap you know.” he adds. “It wasn’t me.” Hunter insists. “Not me.” Rose mutters. “Wasn’t me. I’ve got enough money.” John explains. “I didn’t take anything.” I tell them. “I don’t care about money.” Jenny replies. “I don’t steal.” Krys insists. “Well I don’t know then. I still don’t think any of you would steal but please tell me if you notice anything suspicious.” B.B tells us retreating back to his computer room.
“So who do you think the thief is?” Hunter asks me eagerly. I shrug. “I’m trying to figure it out. Maybe John.” He speculates. “Why would you suspect him?” I ask. “Well having a ton of girlfriends isn’t cheap.” Hunter replies. I laugh and he looks up at me confused. He shrugs and keeps talking. “You know . . . I wouldn’t tell anyone if you were the one stealing.” He says softly looking around. I raise an eyebrow. “What makes you say that?” I ask annoyed. “Nothing. Just saying.” He mumbles. “You know you were pretty quick to deny stealing the money.” I observe. He shrugs indifferently. “I don’t like people to believe untrue things about me.” He looks at me long and hard. I stare back. Without much else to do I just stand up. “Good.” I say walking away.
In all honesty, I didn’t even consider Hunter being the thief until he starting hinting that I was. He was the first person to say he didn’t do anything and shifting the blame to me does seem like a clever move. Later that day, Hunter, Krys and Jenny approach me while I’m cooking hamburgers. “Hi.” I say flatly. “Hi . . . you know Hunter has given us some good reasons to believe you’ve been stealing B.B’s money,” Krys begins. “Like what?” I ask annoyed. “Well you were talking about how you needed money for a video game you wanted to buy.” Hunter says. I remember telling him about my desire for World of Warcraft 3 but I didn’t expect it to be used against me. “Oh come on. Everyone wants stuff. Just because I want something doesn’t automatically make me a thief.” I point out. I notice Jenny nod a little. I wonder if she even agrees with Hunter or if she’s just being a follower. “Whatever.” Hunter mutters walking off.
I assume Hunter is just being immature and he’ll get over it but then he ends up talking to B.B who confronts me about it. He tells me that he won’t be mad if I give him the money but I just keep explaining that I didn’t take the money. When he leaves Hunter comes over to me. “Okay kid, why are you so sure I stole the money. I said I wanted a video game and you think I’ve become a criminal!” I cry. He steps closer to me. “I still think you’re taking the money.” He mutters. “But why?” I ask irritated. “Just admit it!” he shouts. “But I didn’t.” I yell back. He slaps me. Hard. “What the hell is your problem?” I screech. He tries to kick me but I grab his ankle and he falls onto his back. “I thought you were more mature than this.” I mumble standing over him. He looks up at me. “I thought you were above stealing.”
