teapot flowers

Part 12

James Williams and his blackmailer.

"Mutter, I am home!" I called out as I turned to shut the door behind me. I heard a woof of greeting from my dog, Triple-A, as he came bounding in. I really didn't expect to be out as late as I was, but my mother would understand once I explained it to her. My mother and I tell each other everything, we have to when you are so far from everything you have known, clinging to the one thing you hold dear. Ok, so I didn't mention the wallet thing with Olivia but it's only because I haven't had a chance yet, I would have told her...eventually...

I started to take off my backpack and shoes but before I knew it my mother came around the corner swinging something in her fist and pathetically hitting me on my back. "Do you know what time it is?! You had me scared to death! You punk, you know how worried I have been!" she said

"Ma! Ma! Haha quit it!" I said laughing as she continued to hit me with what looked to be a dishrag. "Would you listen?" I said, easily overpowering her small arms with my big ones.

I went on to explain what happened with my wallet the other day and how Olivia had found it for me, well, of course, she scolded me for being careless and whacked me on the head a few more times. But when I got to the part about meeting her at the beach and that drunk man, She had a serious look on her face.

I know she was thinking about Father and John.

"Well it was a good thing you came along when you did... would you like something to eat? I will go make us some tea." and without another word, she turned to go to the kitchen.

I crouched down and patted triple-A on the head, he looked at me with concern in his eyes. "It's okay buddy, she will be fine. She is just remembering some things." He sat still looking in Mutter's direction. "Are you hungry, boy? food?" to this Triple-A jumped ears perking up and tail wagging.

After some kibble, I took Triple-A out before bed. Our back yard is connected to the beach and the vast ocean. The waves become restless at night and push and pull with such strength. I sat on the step watching and smiling while triple-A ran around with his endless energy, that gave him his name. Just then my phone buzzed. I checked the message. I gave a small smirk when I saw it was from Peter.

-Locker Kid. "920-555-7838"

"Dear James, how are you doing? Just a reminder, comic con is tomorrow.... You are still coming, right? You said you would. It's always good to keep your engagements. I am going in costume, are you? I even got one for my sister, it's really cool! but she said she wouldn't wear it! 😭😭😭😭.... Well, hopefully, if all goes well I will see you there, I will text you a meeting place tomorrow. Goodnight."

Read 11:32.

I laughed and laughed after reading his strange little text, it was hard to write a reply from laughing too much. He is such a funny kid.

Typing...

"Hey kid, rest assured I do remember my promise. See you there."

Sent 11:33.

Typing...

"cant promise about a costume tho... haha"

Sent 11:34.

I slid my phone in my pocket and called for Triple-A to come back and we headed in.

Muter was sitting at the table with a cup of tea. "You okay?" I asked, resting my hand on her shoulder. She looked up and blinked as if coming out of a daze.