We Now Return to Regular Life by Martin Wilson

Author:Martin Wilson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2017-08-01T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

Adults

Beth

After the party disaster, I wear my Central Soccer sweatshirt to school every day. I walk the halls with the hood up, staring down at the ground, not looking at anyone. In class, I talk as little as the teachers will allow me to. It’s not easy. It seems like everyone in the world is always trying to get at me—with their hellos and the questions, their casual asides, their jokes. All the stupid chitchat of daily life. I just want to be left alone.

During lunch, I hang out in the library and steal bites of a sandwich. I spend sixth period in there, too. I’ve told Coach Bailey my ankle still hurts, and I know she doesn’t believe me. But she can’t force me to practice. All she says is “Are you okay, Beth?” and I say I am and I walk away.

When the bell rings on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I sit and wait till the halls clear. When I think it might be safe, I walk to my car, unbothered by anyone, wondering if I can get through the rest of high school this way. But then I see Ainsley and Darla waiting for me. They’re dressed in their warmer soccer clothes. Chita is nowhere in sight.

“Shouldn’t you be practicing still?” I say.

“Coach B. let us out early, since tomorrow’s Thanksgiving,” Darla says.

“So what is this then, an intervention?” I say.

“Kinda,” Darla says.

“We’re worried,” Ainsley says, tugging at the green strand of her otherwise blondish hair.

“I know you are. But don’t be.” I sit up on my trunk. Darla plops next to me, and Ainsley paces around in front of us.

“You got big Thanksgiving plans?” Darla asks.

“I’m going to work on my college application,” I say. They already know I’m only applying to the University of Alabama. “And, um, my dad’s visiting.” For weeks it felt like it was so far off. For weeks I could pretend it wasn’t going to happen. But now, saying it, I know it’s a reality, and my heart starts racing a little, the way it does when the teacher slaps down a quiz on your desk. “I have to sleep on an air mattress because my aunt Shelley is visiting, too, and she’s staying in my room. It’s a big family get-together.”

“That will be nice,” Ainsley says. “Besides the air mattress, I mean.”

I shrug. “It’s Sam’s first Thanksgiving with us since . . . since he got back. My mom’s . . . Well, it’s a big deal for her. For all of us, I guess.”

“How is Sam?” Ainsley asks.

“Yeah,” Darla says.

“Fine,” I say. I ask about their plans to change the subject. Darla’s headed to a big family gathering outside of Atlanta, and Ainsley’s staying in town, with just her mom and little brother. A small gathering. I envy that.

“Well, I better get going,” I say.

“Beth,” Darla says. “You’re not mad at us are you? Did we do something wrong?”

I shake my head. “No. I just . . . I just kind of want to be alone.

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