Here & Now

Chapter Eighteen

Managing to avoid detection by Wayne and his crew the rest of the day was easier than I anticipated. All I did was keep my hoodie down and when in class, I sat close to the walls so I couldn't be seen from outside. When school ended, I made sure to be the first one out of class and the first out onto the bus home. Even though it had felt incredibly liberating turning Wayne into a sack of potatoes on the floor, I had definitely been on edge as a result.

PJ had been updated on my escape and the meeting with Aya, and the practise session via text. He told me that his glasses being smashed wasn't a big deal because he always kept a spare in his bag. Our texting concluded with PJ telling me to be ready to go at 6 pm.

When I got home I realised the inevitable had finally occurred. Mom's smile almost didn't seem human and before I knew it she had grabbed me in a bear hug, so tightly I swear I heard a rib crack.

Using my dying few breaths I said, 'So I'm guessing Faith showed you the video huh?'

She put me down and released me from her Kung Fu Mom grip. Taking my hands in hers she replied, 'Aiden, you have no idea how proud I am of you.' Tears were collecting in the corners of her eyes. 'I know how hard the last couple months have been, for you, and for everyone, but seeing you conquer your fears like this, it... just...' She paused for a moment to collect herself.
'It's moments like this that make my life mean something.'

Words escaped me for a moment. I mean, it was just a silly performance, right? A ball was beginning to form in my own throat and I wasn't sure why. The performance was long over and I hadn't really heard much about it from people at school and I hadn't been back to check the views on the video.

My Mom spoke again softly, 'Does your father know about this?' 

All I could do was shake my head, afraid that if I spoke, I'd lose control of the emotions collecting within me.

Mom nodded before she continued, 'I know things are hard between your father and you right now, but he would be immensely proud of you.'

After a moment of holding my eye contact with her despite the tears starting to coat my eyes, she said, 'But if you don't want to tell him, I'll support you.'

Mom stood up and ran her long fingers through my hair. 'Come on sweetie, I'll make you a sandwich.'

After a delicious ham sandwich and some puppy pats I made my way up to my room. Jumping on my laptop I went through the sheet music to ensure I had everything covered. All the music was there, and any parts missing I could easily find online, as the song had been covered thousands of times. I practised my section a couple of times when my phone lit up. Speak of the devil, I thought. The text was from my dad.

Hey buddy, just wanted to see how you were going? How's school? I managed to secure a job. It's a crappy one, but hopefully I'll be able to travel up to visit you and Faith soon. Love Dad xo.

I actually contemplated replying, but I only got as far as, Hey Dad before I thought better of it. I wasn't ready yet and I had too much going on to start speaking to him again. The thought entered my head, will I ever be ready to let him back into my life? Based on the last couple weeks here in Conway, I was doing life much better without him. Father figures were over rated anyway.

As I put my phone down, it lit up again—this time PJ's name showed on the screen.

Hey Aiden. Howard and I just left. We'll be at your house in 15 minutes.

I responded with, No problem. See you in a bit.

Throwing on my closest jacket I could find, I lied to Mom about where I was going, and waited outside. Mom had asked where I was going and reminded me it was a school night. I told her I was going to study with the smartest guy I knew, and after that she didn't bother asking any more questions.