Just Try It

Chapter 11- Homework and Memories

Sunday, February 12 3:45pm

Stairwell at the Swisher Street Apartments

Moe didn't let go of Sondra's hand the whole time that she talked to her grandmother. Maybe Sondra wanted to have this conversation without him, but she didn't kick him out, and he wasn't offering to leave.

When they had walked in the door, her grandma's head had jerked up in surprise. At first, Moe thought it was surprise at him coming in with Sondra, but she had completely ignored him. Instead, her eyes scanned Sondra from head to toe worriedly as she said, "I'm glad you got back early." Only after Sondra smiled reassuringly, did her gaze flickered briefly to Moe. Her smile widened in greeting, but she quickly turned back to Sondra to ask, "How was your trip with your mom?"

Moe exchanged looks with Sondra before speaking up to suggest, "Why don't you sit down while Sondra tells you about it." Coach Riley was a tough lady, but he didn't know how she would deal with Sondra's story. It had been difficult enough for him to handle, but Sondra was the center of Coach's world.

Coach Riley looked concerned but didn't seem surprised as she once again scanned Sondra for injuries before going to the couch without a word. After she was settled in next to Sondra, Moe gave Sondra's hand a reassuring squeeze. Sondra glanced back once, and Moe gave an encouraging nod to get her started, but then she began to tell her grandma about her day.

Moe felt his jaw tighten as he listened to Sondra talk. It was a struggle not to interrupt with questions that would drag her off the topic. Gradually, he began to understand the extent of  Pamela's control over Sondra and his coach. The most shocking thing was when Sondra's grandmother reluctantly handed Sondra back the fake ID. Moe still didn't know exactly what hold Sondra's mom held over them, but it had to be something big to stop his coach from cutting up the card right then and there.

Once Sondra finished her story, she wasn't done. Her grandma had questions, many of them. Sondra answered each one at least twice. Her grandma was finally starting to relax as she started covering things a third time. Moe actually jumped when Sondra suggested they stop the questions for now so he could get to his homework. She had seemed so patient just a moment before, but when she turned her pleading eyes to him, he quickly admitted that he had some schoolwork to do.

Only after Moe admitted that he had some schoolwork left did he realize that Sondra would insist on helping him.

In seconds, Coach Riley had backed off and offered to put together some supper. Before he could suggest he leave, Sondra had suggested that they tackle the job together. Moe hesitated even as Sondra began to get his books out of the backpack. A feeling of panic enveloped Moe at the thought of Sondra finding out how badly he was doing in school.

Desperately, Moe interrupted to say that he could work with Danica instead.

Sondra froze, and a hurt look crossed her face. In the blink of an eye, Sondra had ducked her head and began to put his books back as she mumbled, "Oh, yeah. Sure."

Even though she was agreeing, her stiff back and jerky movements made Moe feel awful. What was he doing, he wondered? Sondra had helped him with schoolwork before without judging him, and she might be his last chance to bring up any grades. Besides, it really would be stupid to turn away a chance to spend time with her because of his pride. He took a deep breath, forced a smile, and took the book from Sondra's hands as he shared, "Danica would probably appreciate a night without studying with me, and maybe you can find a way to explain this stuff to me. I'll lay this out while you change."

Sondra glanced down at her flirty black dress in surprise, and seemed surprised when she saw what she was wearing. When she crossed the room happily, he was sure he had made the right choice when she relaxed and smiled at him before quickly leaving the room.