Splinters: Part One

Part One | 6

"Something like that."

Either he knew I didn't want to talk, or he just wanted to eat because Grady didn't question me any further. While he ate, I continued reading. 

At the end of the day, I met Ursanne out in front like always.

"Hey. Do you have all your stuff?" she asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, but I might need some help on a few things."

She frowned. "If it's math, you're going to have to ask my dad."

I shook my head. "No, it's just, um, they were talking about a heading?"

"For what? Like, assignments?"

I nodded.

"Okay, I'll show you how to do it at home."

I let out a breath. "Thanks."

We both got into the bus and chose our usual seat. I took out To Kill a Mockingbird again and began reading. I couldn't finish a single paragraph when Ursanne asked me what book it was. I showed her the cover.

"What's it about?"

"Lots of things."

"Like?"

"A lot of things actually."

Ursanne grimaced. "Is it good?"

"I like it." I shrugged.

Ursanne didn't ask anything further. She stared out the bus window, which was a bit odd because usually, she plays on her phone. I wondered if she was okay, but I didn't ask. 

I started reading again, but a sentence reminded me of College. I thought about the whole party thing, still feeling a little weird about going, but as our small altercation came to mind, I realized I wanted to go in case she went so she wouldn't be mad at me.

I know that she was disappointed in my answer on not going, and maybe she thought I didn't want to be around her. I don't know. I didn't want to think about it.

"Hey, um, Ursanne?" I asked quietly.

She turned, looking at me. "What?"

"I met a guy. Andrew?"

Her eyes widened. "Andrew Fredrickson?"

I shook my head. "I don't know. He's got brown hair, brown eyes."

She nodded. "That's Andrew Fredrickson. How'd you meet him?"

"Literature class. He invited me over."

"He invited you over?"

I felt kind of embarrassed. It was obvious to see that Ursanne was really shocked about a person like Andrew being friends with me, but I tried not to let it hurt me. She probably didn't mean for it to offend me anyway.

"Um, yeah. Do you think Meli-, um, Mom, will let me go?"

She nodded eagerly. "My parents love the Fredricksons. She'll totally let you go. And she'll probably be super excited that you've got a friend too."

"Okay."

"And don't call Mom 'mom' until you're comfortable with it. I can tell you're not there yet." She smiled gently. 

I let out a shaky laugh. "Okay."

...

"And then that's where you put your name." Ursanne pointed to the top right corner of the paper.

I pressed my lips together and wrote my name. Ursanne didn't mention how awful my penmanship was. 

"There you go," she said once I finished.