Broken Memory ✓

6. Sneaking Out For Coke

It's been about a little over three weeks since my second day of school. At this point, Mom and Dad have made up. Mom agreed to stay, as long as we take extra safety precautions to avoid dangers.

Basically, don't leave the house unless needed.

It's very isolating.

Today is a fresh day. My dirty sneakers hit the pavement as I approach the school. I readjust my bag over my right shoulder as I walk, reaching my hand out to open the door.

"Hey, stranger," a voice says. Someone on my right. I look over and see his black hair, instantly knowing who it is. Caleb.

"Hey," I shoot him a smile. We walk inside together and find a spot at a cafeteria table towards the back where it's less populated. We sit there together in comfortable silence, both listening to our own music until Connor arrives.

"Hey, guys," Connor eventually appears in front of us, smiling his signature dimpled smile. I take my earbuds out and shove my phone in my pocket.

"Hey!" I wave.

"What's up?" Caleb asks.

"Nothing much," Connor plops down on the seat next to me. He usually sits on my right, Caleb sitting on my left. "But I was thinking tonight we should all hang out! And Ash can try Coca-Cola! It's Friday, so I can stay out. As long as I'm back before curfew."

"My mom is chill with pretty much anything. She trusts me. And that sounds cool, I'm down," Caleb grns. The two boys turn towards me.

"Oh, geez. I don't know. My mom is crazy overprotective and paranoid. I can try, though. Where do we want to meet? What time?"

"How about The Bridgeport Diner at 6:30? Don't eat dinner. And I can pay for you guys this time," Connor suggests.

"I can help pay, you don't have to pay for all of it," Caleb argues.

"Guys, I've literally never really had any friends before today like this. Consider me paying a gift and a thank you."

Caleb sighs in defeat when Connor gives him a certain look. I agree, "fine, but next time we're all pitching in."

"Deal."

The rest of the time before school is filled with some jokes and random topics. It goes quickly, and soon I find myself sitting at a table in study hall with Connor and Caleb. I get out my math homework and immediately work on it, while Connor takes my notebook and opens it up to write a message in it. Caleb opens up his book and begins reading, blocking out everything else.

Connor subtly slides the notebook over to me. His messy handwriting reads: 'I'm bored.'

I write back, 'the hour just started, you dork. I need to finish this math homework'

He reads my message and playfully rolls his eyes, writing back. 'Fine, party pooper.'

'Whatever', I slide the notebook back and continue to focus on my math, still slightly grinning. He reads my message and closes the notebook, sighing.

The hour goes like this; I work on my homework, Caleb's focus doesn't break away from his book once, and Connor is restless. He can't focus on something for more than ten minutes. It gets quite distracting at some points, but I excuse his behavior because he's Connor. I know he doesn't mean to be a distraction, he just sometimes gets like this. That's what I've learned from being his friend for these threeish weeks. He just gets excited about the fact that he has a couple of true friends.

I admit, I'm quite excited for our plan tonight. Except... I think I might have to stoop to sneaking out. There's no way Mom will let me go out with them at this point. I might be able to get away with it if I'm careful.