Too Young

SIX

   I stayed home the next day. I just didn't feel good mentally and I didn't have the stamina to deal with Eileen or anyone else.

So I called sick.

I went down to the kitchen in my night gown to make myself a bowl of cereal. Charles appeared by my side as soon as he heard the pouring sound.

   "Cassum?" He asked as he looked up at me with his big bright green eyes.

   "Go get a bowl."

He came back with a bowl and I poured some into his. I poured in the milk next and we sat at the table together.

His head rose just above the table.

   "Why didn't you go to work today, Judy?" He asked with a mouth full of cereal.

   "Because I'm tired."

   "Wow. I wish I didn't have to go to school because I was tired."

I continued to chew my cereal.

Ma came down the stairs and she gathered her things to get ready for work. She grabbed an apple and kissed Charles on the forehead.

The doorbell rang.

   "Can you get that?" I mumbled.

She gave me a look. "Please."

She walked to the front door and opened it. A familiar voice greeted her.

   "Thomas?" I asked myself as I got up. "Thomas, is that you?" I approached the door.

   "Judith!" He proclaimed happily. "You're okay."

   "Of course I'm okay. Why wouldn't I be okay?"

   "No, because you called off of work today and I called you back to see what was the matter and you didn't answer." I looked to the house phone that I didn't remember ringing. "I thought maybe you were still a little bothered by what happened yesterday."

   "What happened yesterday?" Ma turned to me. "And you care to introduce me?"

   "Ma, this is Thomas. Thomas, this is my mom. Since you know I'm okay, you can leave now. I'm sure you have lots to do at the restaurant. " I grabbed the door.

   "Uh uh." Ma place her hand on her hip. "Is that how you treat a guest?"

   "Ma, he--"

   "Come on in, Thomas. You welcome at anytime."

   "Thanks, Mrs. Pierce." He nodded. He turned to me and handed me a single red rose. "For you."

   "For future reference, I don't like flowers."

   "Can you not be so rude?" Ma placed her hand on her hip and shook her head in disappointment.

   "Ma, I just--"

   "Thomas dear..." she turned to him and ignored my efforts to explain myself. "Would you like me to make you some breakfast?"

   "Yes, ma'am." He beamed. "Thank you."

   "I thought you had to go to work!" I said as I followed her into the kitchen. Thomas stayed in the living room looking around.

She abruptly turned to me and whispered, "Is you blind child?! Can't you see that, that boy likes you?"

   "I'm not trying to give him a reason to keep coming here, because I don't like him. If you feed the animals, they'll keep coming back!" I whispered back.