10/17

Episode 6, Chapter 25

Laney waited for the sleek black sedan to disappear from sight before texting Parker to pop over. Just before he exploded out of his puff of smoke, the tell-tale rush of knowing flashed through Laney's gut. Within five minutes he and Laney were back in his living room where she described the whole visit to Parker and his mother.

"By the time we got home, I didn't even want to text you while that car was anywhere near my house. I'm telling you. Those people were like puppets or something," she finished, plopping on one end of the sofa after pacing the living room through her recounting. "This was it for me. I'm not going back. Maybe Mom's right and there's a perfectly reasonable explanation but I'm too creeped out to care anymore."

"I don't blame you," Parker agreed. Her story gave him goose bumps. "What possible explanation could they have?"

"Well, if you can assume they really are completely on your side, then everything they said could be what's best for your security." Both teens looked at Mrs. Carlisle like she had just turned green and sprouted flowers from her ears.

"Mom," Parker said, aghast. "You can't seriously believe that?" She smiled at their shocked expressions.

"No, I don't. I was just pointing out that you can't expect everyone to think like you do. Just because I don't, does not mean I can't see why someone might want to trust them. Always remember that, you two."

"Geez, why does everything have to be a lesson," Parker groaned. Mrs. Carlisle laughed outright at his grumbling. She nudged his leg with her toe.

"You're so close to being out on your own, so close to being a grown up. I gotta get these last little important words of wisdom in when I can." Parker shook his head, smiling despite his mild irritation.

"What's you mom say about it, Laney?"

"She's trying to be understanding but I think the doctor finally got to her. She didn't say so, but I know that look. She already said she wouldn't force me to go back." Mrs. Carlisle nodded, smiling in relief.

"Well, hopefully that's all there is to it then. With all the new protests, I will breath a lot easier knowing you won't be near that mess anymore. But, dang I wish they had told you more about whatever it is they were looking for in your blood. They still haven't released any cause of death for all those poor kids they keep finding." Mrs. Carlisle's face showed both her sadness and deep worry for Laney and her son.

"You and me both," Laney said, as she kicked as a chew toy on the floor.

"Okay, that's enough of that for now. I have some freaking ridiculous math homework I could use your super brain's help with," Parker said, pushing to his feet. "You up for it?" Laney stood up too.

"Sure."

"Cool," Parker said, heading out of the room. Before he got to the kitchen he looked back at his mom. "Hey, remember what we talked about this morning, you still okay with it?" His mother sighed with resignation.

"No, but I think I'm pretty out voted at this point. Just be..."

"Careful, I know. I know. I will," Parker said, pushing Laney out of the room before his mom could change her mind.

"What was that all about," Laney asked as she took a seat at the table. Parker turned up the hall to get his tablet.

"I'll explain in a minute," he said over his shoulder.

Laney spent the next thirty minutes dissecting Parker's problem with his homework. By the time they were done, Peyton and Pen were home. Parker intercepted his brother on his way back to his bedroom.