Solitude

Thirty-Six

"- and then she calls me and asks if I'll like to lead it all. Imagine? I said yes. Of course! I'm going to be spending all my free time cleaning up beaches and talking about saving the planet anyway..."

Cece is going on about some Climate Change Awareness thing. She's decided to put on her happy face to school and hasn't seen the need to tell the group about her parents pending divorce.

I can't say I'm surprised. It's so on-brand for Cece to smile and pretend like everything is alright until she can't pretend anymore and she breaks down in tears.

I look around the table. Jonathan is helping himself to a sandwich I brought for him - thanks to my mother. He feels my stare and returns it and I grin widely to show my pride.

He looks down at the sandwich and just to show off, he takes a huge bite and I don't know how an act so simple and ordinary makes me feel so fluttery inside. I just love to see Jonathan do better when it comes to his relationship with food.

On his other side is Mason who hasn't said a word, neither has he touched his sandwich. He has his face buried behind his phone, a crease on his forehead. I pass Jonathan a questioning stare and he responds with a shrug.

Jason is with us today as Cecile is doing his own thing with his friends. Him being here makes me realize how empty the table has felt without him an I'm really glad he's here. It feels like the family is now complete.

He's listening to everything Cece is saying with all of his attention. The way he's staring at her, hanging on to her every word like it's his life line... Even a blind person incapable of feelings can tell he's so in love with her.

"Are you nervous?" Jason asks after Cece says something about a meeting with someone. I can't be sure as I'm not paying too much attention.

Cece takes a moment to think about it.  She squints and purses her lips before she shakes her head.

"Nah! I've been texting them and they're like the nicest person ever. To be fair, anyone who cares so much about the planet has to be so nice. It feels so fulfilling to be part of something so important. You understand me, don't you?"

"Yeah. I volunteer from time to time. So does Jonathan." Jason gestures to Jonathan who looks like he's about to say something, but his mouth is stuffed with food so he opts for humming instead.

"M, you really should join me."

"Cece, I walked to school with you today. I'm doing my part for earth." My response leaves her less than impressed, but she decides against arguing with me. Instead, she turns her attention to Mason who has not lifted his head from his phone once.

"Mase, what are you doing to give back?"

He hums, then slowly looks up. He appears to be confused, so Cece repeats the question to which he rolls his eyes, obviously not interested in this conversation.

"I grace people with my presence. That's a whole lot of charity. I'm basically Mother Theresa."

"I heard she wasn't exactly a good person," Jason inputs and Mason shrugs.

"I really couldn't care less."

"You're very privileged and should give back to the community in some way. Individualism is the downfall of -"