Growing Up Hobart: the Politician

8

A few days had passed since Payton's bookstore adventure, and he was actively reading his new book. Well, actively reading as much as he could, that is:

On Tuesday afternoon, Payton arrived home from a long day of school. He greeted Juliet and scurried up to his room, backpack thumping against his back, per usual. The boy proceeded to sit down at his desk and pull out his first of two homework sheets. His eyes darted up and down, taking in the subject: science. Specifically, the sheet focused on kinetic and potential energy. After responding to one or two questions, each of which provided an example and asked for a selection of kinetic or potential energy, Payton leaned back in his chair and sighed.

Then, he spotted the book.

There it was: the autobiography which Payton had purchased with his father during the weekend. It was on the bookshelf, but placed in front of all other books, with the cover facing outward. The book was simply sitting on the shelf, and yet picking it up and reading another chapter had quickly become very tempting.

No, Payton should be doing his homework. He could get in trouble otherwise, whether it be with his parents or his teacher.

But he already knew enough about kinetic and potential energy. He had listened to Ms. Kennedy and partook in the practices during the day. He understood the material, and he deserved a break. Simple as that. Right?

Clearly, the answer was yes, because Payton now found himself leaving his desk, fetching the book from the shelf, and hopping onto his bed to read. After all, he would have time to complete his homework later.

After two chapters, Payton was completely absorbed in the story, and had managed to push his homework to the back of his mind. He didn't even hear footsteps entering his room, which is why he flinched when the book was suddenly removed from his hands. Payton's eyes went wide as he looked up at his mother, who was standing in front of him, holding the book with her arms crossed.

"Payton," Georgina said after a minute, waiting expectantly for her youngest to speak.

"Hello mother," Payton squeaked out, trying to hide his nervousness. He had been caught, and it was freaking Payton out.

"How long have you been reading, sweetie?"

Payton relaxed his shoulders. For some reason, his mother's wording, specifically the use of the word 'sweetie', made him feel as though he was in less trouble. Georgina, in noticing Payton's body motions, sat next to her son on the bed. After much observation, Georgina had learned that Payton responded best to a calm environment. When chaos ensued, the boy became angry, and found it much more difficult to think before responding. Georgina rested her hand on her son's back in order to further show her support. After a minute, Payton found the confidence to speak.

"I... I'm not exactly sure. I've read a couple of chapters."

"Did you start reading when you first got home?"

Uh oh. She was definitely onto him. Payton started to become tense again.

"No," Payton responded, looking down at his fidgeting hands. Why was he so nervous? After all, he wasn't lying. He did have intentions to complete his homework first, as he always had done.

"Something tells me that you know what question is coming next," Georgina said with a gentle smile. Payton nodded along, forcing himself to face his fate. "Did you finish all of your homework?"

Payton sighed, disappointed in himself. He knew he had to own up to his faults, but he had to admit, if there was one thing he hated, it was getting caught. It was one thing to admit faults yourself, but to have to admit them because you've been caught? That's an entirely different story. Payton was quiet for a moment before he spoke.