Kidnapped

Chapter 6: Field Trip

I finished my cereal then hurried to answer it. As it turns out, it was Luke, smiling sheepishly. "Good morning," he greeted. "Hey," I said. "What are you doing here?" "I was just wondering if I can walk to school with you?"

"Even if I look like a Smurf?" I teased. "Yeah," Luke laughed. "Sure," I beamed. "Do you want to come in? I can make you breakfast?" "I'm fine," he said politely. "Thank you." Suddenly, Charlie appeared beside me, his ghastly pale face scowled at him. "Hey Luke," Charlie said. "Hello Charlie," he greeted.

"I'll make you pancakes," I offered. "Charlie stop making Luke uncomfortable." Charlie gave me an annoyed look. Despite Luke's protests, I invited him inside. He stepped into the house nervously then took a seat. I beamed as took out the ingredients for pancakes.

"Do you want chocolate chip or blueberry?" I asked. "Blueberry," Luke sighed. I spread the fresh berries into the batter and mixed the bowl. Mom hustled out of the bathroom and ran upstairs to change her clothes. Charlie left to go to the bathroom. It was just Luke and me.

"You don't have to make me pancakes," Luke said. I placed a chunk of butter into the burning frying pan and spread it around. "Let me do something nice for you," I begged. "And besides, you need a friend." Luke was silent after awhile then said, "How did you know that I didn't eat breakfast?"

"Easy," I answer. "Your stomach was rumbling." Luke blushed then wiped the brown bangs away from his eyes. "Are you sure your mom wouldn't-" "Nope," I said. "But I think she only says that because I don't walk around very often."

I poured the batter into the pan then wait patiently for the side to brown. "What's going on with your parents?" I ask. "Mom and Dad won't stop screaming at each other," Luke explained. "That's what's going on." After the side turns golden, I flipped the pancake and let it sit there for a few minutes.

"I know the feeling," I sighed. Mom waddled downstairs, wearing her black business suit. She wore small makeup and jewelry. Mom smiled at me then kissed me on the cheek. "I'll see you later okay?" she asked. "Hello Luke." "Hello Ms. Porter," Luke said back. Mom spritz some flowery perfume and rushed out the door.

I turned off the stove and filled a plate with sweet smelling blueberry pancakes. I set it for Luke then sat next to him. "Did your parents sign your permission slip?" I asked. Luke nodded and handed me the signed paper clipped with the fifteen dollars.

I gave it back to him and handed him a silver fork. "You need to eat," I reminded him. Luke stuck his tongue at me then took a bite of the pancake. "It's really good," he said, taking another bite. I blushed then tucked my hair behind my ears.

"Me casa es su casa," I responded. "Gracias," he chuckled. "I'm going to get dressed." I said. "Make sure you finish your pancakes." "Okay Mom," Luke groaned. I rushed upstairs to put on my purple t-shirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers. But when I came back, Luke left the table and the dirty dish and fork were in the sink.

Charlie sat on the couch to watch the news. "Where's Luke?" I asked. "He's waiting for you outside," he grunted. "Good," I sighed, packing my permission slip in my folder and stuffing it in my bag. "See you later." "Wait just a moment," Charlie said. When I paused, he shook his head. "I don't trust Luke," he said. "It's best if you just stay away from him."

"I'm fine with Luke," I say flatly. "And besides, you and Mom were practically begging me to make friends." Charlie sighed. "But that is different-" "What's different? You have been lazy the past few days." I snapped. "You never help Mom out with anything around the house, except cooking burnt pancakes."

Charlie started to open his mouth, but then he closed it shut. "I'll see you later," I growled. "Goodbye." I left the house and closed the door with a slam. Luke, who was sitting on the porch, listening to every word. "Hi Cole," Luke chuckled. "Let's go," I said. We marched down the steps and headed straight to school.

Instead of focusing on making paper volcanoes, our art teacher, Ms. Pepper began to tell us more about the field trip.

"Since we are going to the museum next Wednesday," Ms. Pepper began. "You are all going to take a photo of your favorite artwork and write an essay about it." "Ugh," the class groaned.

"But what about the volcanoes?" someone asked. "I'll make it as your classwork," Ms. Pepper replied. "The essay will count as your entire semester grade." My ears perk up. I smiled as I jot down the notes in my notebook.

"When we arrive the museum," Ms. Pepper added, turning her body to the chalkboard. "You will pick a partner to do your assignment with. He or she must be compatible with you or else there will be a zero for your lack of participation. Any questions?"

No one raised their hands. "Good," she beamed. "The permission slip will be turned at the end of class." After the bell rang, the kids grabbed their backpacks, handed Ms. Pepper their slips, and headed out the door.

I took out my folder, handed the teacher my permission slip signed with stapled money, and head to my desk to get my backpack. "Ms. Porter," Ms. Pepper said. "Will you come to my desk for a minute?"

I nodded then walked to her desk. Ms. Pepper took off her glasses then sighed. "Is everything okay?" she said. "Yes, Ms. Pepper." I answered. "You seem a bit distracted," Ms. Pepper said. "Just from the lack of sleep," I chuckled.

"I hear that you are talking to Luke," Ms. Pepper said. "It's great, he needs the friends he could get." I smiled even though I didn't know what to say. "Get on to History class," she instructed. "I'm pretty sure Mr. Aston needs you."

She gave me a yellow slip then allowed me to leave. Just then, someone yanked my arm and forced me to look at her. It was Madison.

Robbie Kay as Benjamin Hamilton

Cole Porter as Zendaya Coleman

Elizabeth Mitchell as Willow Porter