True Intentions

Seven

The next day at school, during lunch hour, as I sat at a table with a few girls from my class, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I took it out to see that I had two texts from Mom. They're giving out donuts at work today, I know you like them. There a flavour you want?

I smiled a little. What kind they got?

Everything 11:43 A. M

I named my favourite kinds. Chocolate or vanilla sprinkled.

Okay 11:44 A. M
I'll see if I can get you both 11:44 A. M

Thanks Mom 11:44 A. M

Enjoy your day, see you later 11:44 A.M

You too❤ 11:44 A. M

I could feel my smile widening as I stared at the unexpected text conversation. Maybe I had been stressing for no reason. Despite Mom not trusting me about where the 8K had come from, I now had some hope that we could quickly get past it without her ever knowing about the Kidneys. Things could go on as usual and I wouldn't have to think about it anymore. Sure, we would still be struggling with money, but I'd continue my job search, as long as my relationship with Mom was okay. Suddenly feeling better compared to the last days, I put my phone away and joyfully joined the conversation at my table.

Before the lunch period ended, I texted Benito. You don't need to pick me up after school.

He replied a minute later. Everything okay? You got a ride?

Nah, just feel like bussing home 12:24 P. M

You sure? 12:25 P. M

Yeah, gonna try and get some school work done at home 12:25 P. M

Okay, text or call if there's anything 12:25 P. M

Of course💙 12:25 P. M

I shut my phone off and headed to my locker. My spirits remained lifted throughout the day, including on the bus trip home in the semi-gloomy weather. The sun decided to do a little late appearance through the clouds as Mom came home, having brought me two donuts. "They were out of the chocolate sprinkle so I brought a glazed." I smiled, appreciating the gesture and taking a bite out of the vanilla sprinkle. Mom headed to her room to grab some clothes for a shower. Enjoying the moment, I followed and asked about her day, which led to a very brief, but nice chat.

*

An hour later, I was sitting at the kitchen table, facing my laptop, bright sunlight streaming in through the windows as Mom was brooming the hall. Scrolling through my short email list after deleting spams, I felt satisfied. I took a swig from my water bottle before getting up to make a pit stop as Mom was entering the kitchen with the broom. As I began closing the bathroom door - which was placed right by the kitchen - my laptop's loud signature notification sound resonated. An email from one of my teachers, I assumed.

Leaving the bathroom a short moment later, I entered the kitchen but quickly slowed my pace. Mom stood by the chair at the table, her elbow on the broom, staring at me with a hard look on her face. Not sure what I had done wrong yet, the rate of my heartbeat increased. "What?" I asked nervously.

Mom pointed at the laptop. "What's this?" She backed away as I frowned a little and went over to my laptop. Bending slightly to see the screen better, I faced an open email sent about two minutes prior. Sender: Daniel Kidney. Feeling as though I had been punched in the gut, I let my breath out slowly as I lowered myself onto the chair for support and read the email.

Hi Carlandra!

This is Daniel and Diane. We just wanted to check on you and let you know that we had a great time Saturday evening. By the time we woke up the next morning, we had realized that you were gone and so was the 50K. Since we haven't heard from you, we assume everything's well and the money's in good hands:) If there are any concerns or anything you would like to talk to us about, feel free to reply back, we're open. (P. S: It was my - Diane's idea to email in case direct text might be too personal for you, considering our deal has ended.) With that being said, we're leaving early on Thursday morning and wish you the best. Take care Carlandra!