When The Going Gets Tough

Plus and Minus

Maths last lesson on a Friday,, and the bell rings to signal the end of the week. 

I grab my things and head straight to my locker, 47 is already there sorting his grey over shoulder bag out. 

"Hey" I say nervously, at lunch it was left a little awkward so I wasn't sure how this interaction would go.

He looks up "hey, I was hoping to catch you" he smiles like nothing happened "do you need a ride to the party tomorrow?"

"No it's okay, I can walk, it's only about 30 minutes" I say, also then there's no real obligation for me to actually show. He doesn't actually expect me to go right?

"Don't you drive?" He enquires, normally this kind of question would make me feel self conscious but he asks it with no negative infliction.

"No, I don't have the moment for lessons let alone a car". No harm in being honest right.

"Where abouts do you live?" He asks.

Hmmm maybe there is harm in being honest after all, I decide to be vague "just the other side of the cemetery"

I finish sorting my bag and start towards the main hall which leads to the exit, 47 walks next to me, it was clear he was waiting for me. 

"How funny" I look at him and he continues "I live the other side of the cemetery aswell, my uncle owns the vets we live next door".

"Oh that's like 2 streets away" and then I realise I said that out loud.

"Great, why don't I give you a lift home then I will know where to pick you up from?" 

"Umm" those beautiful emerald eyes stare into my soul searching for my thoughts "okay" I say. 

He beams at me and says "great, my car's this way".

I follow him to the far end car park where he leads me to a red sedan. I get in the passenger side and as he starts the engine I note how clean and tidy the car is, not a empty wrapper, old bottle or spec of dust anywhere. He pulls out of the school parking lot and heads in the direction of the cemetery, after about 4 minutes he says "which way now".

I'm pulled out of my own thoughts, " oh yes might help, instead of taking your right, take the following right turn" I instruct "it's about 10 houses down on the right number 82".

He does as instructed and as we get closer I say " you can pull into the space I front of the garage to turn around". He stops the car and I see him admiring my uncles house, it is quite impressive with its wrap around porch and white pillars by the front door. "Your house is beautiful" he murmurs.

"Look left" I say indicating to the garage, "I live above the garage" I say, I had planned to not share this information, but last thing I need is him knocking on my uncles door. I see confusion cross his face. "The main house is my uncles" I say hoping that explains enough, he nods so I guess it does the trick. 

"What's your phone number?" He asks "then I can text you when I'm leaving.

"Oh I don't know my phone number" I say

"That's okay pass me your phone and we can call my phone" he smiles at the simple solution.

"Okay, my phone's in side I left it on charge and forgot to pick it up this morning, give me two minutes" I hop out the car, my bag snags and I nearly go flying, super smooth Alex! One more tug and my bag is free and I rush off to the side door on the garage and unlock the door, straight up the stairs to the side of my bed where the phones is plugged in. I take it off charge and check for any notifications, no shock there are none, then I hear someone making there way up the stairs I turn and see 47 appear from the door which leads to the stairs.

"What are you doing? I didn't invite you in!" I almost shout

He stops in his tracks and his faces falls "sorry, you forgot your workbook for English". He lifts his hand up.

"s**t, sorry you startled me, I've never been alone with anyone in here before, I'm not used to people in my space" I realise I'm rambling with embarrassment after my outburst. I gave him my phone to put in his number. Just as he takes it the phone rings, I quickly take it back and look at the caller, 'club x' I really need to take this call. 

"I need to take this" I answer not waiting for a response and turn away from him.

"Hey Alex" Marty the owner of the club says "are you free Sunday night to perform I've had a cancellation?"

"Yes that's fine I'm free, what time do you want me on?" I ask

"It's the main slot, 8 to 11.30 pm you good with that?" He says

"Yes, of course, I won't let you down" I exclaim a little excited.

"You best not, I am counting on you, if this goes well I might have more regular work okay doll" with that he hangs up. I smile and stare at my phone, well at least I can afford to eat next week. Then I hear a cough and remember I'm not alone. I turn and hand him the phone and try to act like nothing happened but I can see the questions in his emerald eyes. God, I could lose myself in them. He types his number in and calls his phone. 

I hear family guy ring tone play and I giggle. I thought I was the only one who watched that show. 

" Well I've got to shoot but I will see you tomorrow" he smiles although it's clear he still has questions, I'm thankful he hasn't given in to curiosity and asked me about the call. 

" See you tomorrow, and thanks for the lift home" I smile genuinely grateful. His smile widens and he gives me a salute which on anyone one else I'm sure would have looked stupid, he turns and leaves the way he came, once I hear the door close I collapse on my bed. The first time iv had a boy in my room, I maybe 17 but I've had far more to worry about in my life than boys.

I close my eyes and consider how much my life has changed in the past week.

Last Friday I certainly didn't have plans to go to a party, have a very cute boy in my room and the queen b***h giving me evil side glances I guess there are pluses and minuses to everything.