The Notes We Write

8.

Over the last couple of days, Casey had made it a habit to drive me to and back home from school. He really startled me the first time it happened. It was the first day after the first music lesson with ms Summers. He hadn't text me, and just showed up at my house. I was just about to leave when the bell rung. Mum opened the door, and the next thing I know he was in my living room.

I did manage to convince him to make a compromise: He only drives me some days, not everyday. Because, one I actually like cycling. And two because I didn't want to rely on him so heavily. I know he offered it himself, but I don't want it to feel like something he has to do. I didn't want him to feel obligated.

It was Friday after school, when I saw a note on my locker. I was getting used to getting those, cause Casey did this every day. They usually had stupid jokes on them, which still made me laugh. But today it said something else: "wanna meet up today so I can help you with French and work on the duet? -C"

We had a French test the next week, and I really needed help. So I made my way to Casey's locker. I grabbed a note from my back and wrote my message: "yes please! At mine? x H" Then I just stood there waiting for him to get to his locker. He sped up his pace when he saw me leaning against the lockers.

He smiled at me and picked the note from his locker without saying anything. He put the note in his back pocket, and started putting the books he needed in his bag. "You coming?" He asked, reaching out his arm for me to grab. I hooked my arm through his and we walked to his car.

"Do you have your guitar?" I asked when we were in the car on our way to mine. "Yeah it's in the back" He said turning his head over his shoulder. I looked over and saw indeed the familiar guitar case I had seen so many times already.

I unlocked the door let us in. "Hailey!" Mum immediately greeted me. When she saw Casey she jumped of the couch and straightened her hair. She always wanted to have the best impression on people, and I still don't know why. I have never been like that. I am who I am, and if you don't accept that then that's your loss.

"Hello mrs Meyer, I'm sorry to come around on such a short notice." He stretched out his hand for her to shake it. I already know what would happen next, because Mum's a strong believer in hugs. She thinks that even if you meet a person for the first time you should always greet them with a hug, it helps you connect and understand the other person. At least that's what she says.

Like I had predicted, she pulled Casey in to a hug. "You are always gone so quickly in the mornings, nice to finally meet you for real." Mum said enthusiastically pulling him over the couch, while I was still standing in my place. Casey shot me a quick look, as if to say "is this okay?". I smiled and him nodding, I followed the two them and sat on the couch as well. I already knew that Mum was going to bomb Casey with all kinds of questions, although it may be a lot for him he had to go through it someday. Cause Mum doesn't give up.

"So Casey, Hailey tells me that you work in a sandwich shop." She began lightly, but more would soon follow. Casey nodded and began passionately telling about his job. I really admired that he had found a job that he looked forward to doing every time. I hope I will as well one day.

"Have you lived here all your life?" There she goes with the deeper questions, I really hoped she wouldn't scare him away. "Yeah, I have" Casey answered politely, not hearing a single bit of annoyance in his voice or facial expression for that matter. But then again, the boy is always smiling.

"What's your last name, if you don't mind me asking" She asked cautiously. "It's Green." Mum widened her eyes. "As in Harry Green?" Casey nodded, not understanding why that would be so special to her. "That is my dad"

"What a coincidence! Harry and I used to be best friends in high school. Everybody thought we were in love with each other but we truly never were. We were really good friends. Is he still with Ally?" She rattled excitedly. Casey smiled brightly, getting excited as well. "Yes! Ally is my Mum."