Across the Maps

Chapter 7

The next three days of school are absolutely horrible. So far I have only made friend, Jeremy. I have tried talking to people, but they just ignore me or act like they can't hear me.

Jeremy still sits with me at lunch and I am glad that I have at least one friend.

Now it's Friday. Thank goodness the week is almost over.

The day goes a little faster than usual and finally it's eighth period is over and the bell rings to dismiss school.

Jeremy and I walk out of class together and to our lockers, which are in serrate hallways. When we are walking, he grabs my arm, turning me to face him.

"Um. Do you want to hang out tomorrow?" he asks nervously.

"Sure. You can probably come to my house, but let me ask my parents first."

"Okay," he replies, a large grin plastered on his face. "Oh here." He grabs a piece of rumpled paper from his pocket and hands it to me.

Taking it, I ask, "What is it?"

"It's my number so you can call me if your parents say yes." A hint of pink rushes to his cheeks.

"Oh...okay." We exchange goodbyes and he walks off, leaving me standing in the hallway with the piece of paper in my palm.

I shove it in my pocket and amble to my locker. Grabbing my stuff, I rush outside and to Mom's car.

Paisley sits in the passenger seat, checking her makeup, and Hallie sits in the very back, playing on her phone.

I sit down in the back by Hallie and speak, "Um...can I have a friend over tomorrow?"

Mom purses her lips and then answers, "Who is it?"

I tell her the truth, "This guy named Jeremy."

Mom creases her brow and thinks. "I'm not sure."

"Please Mom," I plead. "He's the only friend I have made and it would mean a lot."

She lets out a sigh. "I guess so."

"Thanks so much," I smile at her.

"Your welcome sweetie," she returns my smile and then pulls the escalade out of the parking lot and drives home.

Cole doesn't stop by tonight and I am a little disappointed because I kind of want to hang out with him.

Instead, I hang out in my room and watch television until it's time for dinner.

For super we have fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. I quickly scarf the food down and compliment our chef, Charlie, for the delicious meal.

When I get back up to my room, I decide to call Jeremy. When he answers, his voice sounds unfamiliar and strange.

"Hello?" he speaks.

"Hey, it's Wimberly." I reply.

"Oh hi," his voice cheers up, knowing it's me.

"My mom says you can come over tomorrow," I squeal into the phone.

"Oh that's great," he exclaims. "What time?"

"Um...Is one okay?" I ask him and he pauses, thinking.

"Sure," he finally declares.

I give him my address and then hang up the phone, a small smile tugging at my lips. Tomorrow was going to be great.

For the remainder of the night, I stay up and watch tv until it's late and I'm tired. Then I brush my teeth, brush my hair, and jump into bed.

I still haven't gotten use to sleeping here. So far I have waken up twice not knowing where I was and having to look around to finally realize where I was. Finally my eyes shut and I find sleep.