THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY

Crawling from the Shadows

Story in progress
Tamara Matechuk 7/21/2013

A young woman finds the lines drawn between friends erased and redrawn as she tries to survive her senior year of high-school and hide her developing telekinetic powers from the student body.

Chapter 1 Come on Scotty! Give it back, please? Saoirse jumped again, trying to retrieve the book from the hand of the tall high-school senior as they entered the already crowded cafeteria. Im serious! I need it so I can finish my homework for Mr. Marchuks class. The sound of the Irish girls normally melodic voice took on a bit of a whine as she tried to convince her friend to return the property, her heart shaped face sinking into a full lipped when he laughed at her short attempts to get the book. Whatever Saor, you never do homework for that class. I know you better than that. Scotty grinned at her, a twinkle in his tan colored eyes as he looked down at her but kept the book out of her reach. Not that this was a hard task; even though they were both in their final year of high school, Scotty had been lucky enough to hit a growth spurt in sophomore year putting him over the six foot mark and towered over Saoirse with her five-foot four-inch frame. So whats really in this book that makes you want it back so bad? An exasperated sigh hissed through her lips as she made her way to the line up to wait for the enchanting cafeteria food that looked like it was about ready to walk off the trays. Drawings. And personal notes. If I let you take a peek at the exterior I want to paint on a car Im working on fixing, will you leave it alone? She glanced over her shoulder at him, moving slowly with the rest of the crowd waiting to see who would get food poisoning first. Scotty gave her a contemplative look before slowly lowering his arm, allowing the book to just be within Saoirses reach but jerked his arm back quickly the moment she snapped her arm out for it. No way. Im not falling for it this time, you little devil of a girl. If you want your book back, you have to do me a favor.

Saoirse paled a little, an incredible feat for someone who was already considered whiter than a sheet of paper. She hated when Scotty asked for favors. Whenever he did, it normally meant she was going to be getting into trouble and as usual, would probably be the one to take the blame for the idea. It was a sad cycle: someone else would come up with an idea, generally a bad one to begin with, then something would go awry and Saoirse would be left to take the fall for the outcomes. It happened with most of their adventures and it happened at home, as far as she was concerned, she had been turned into a scapegoat for everyone else. What kind of favor? Nothing thats going to get me almost killed again I hope. Driving out to that old mine was a bad idea and almost cost me my car Not that its a great car, but still. Saoirse turned her attention back to the lineup and food, waiting for Scotty to describe the elaborate plan that would test the boundaries of their friendship once more. The awkward sound of his laughter made her even more nervous. I promise this wont kill you. At least I hope not. He paused, unsure how to continue for a moment. I was actually wondering if, uh, youd go to the prom with me. Saoirse stopped dead in the flow of the crowd exiting the cafeteria line up and heading for a table. Slowly, she turned around and fixed her gaze upon Scottys face, looking for any sign of falsity or a joking manner, but finding none. Oh, shit. He was serious about wanting to take her to prom. She swallowed heavily before shaking her head and turning her back to her best friend again, scanning the area for an empty table. I thought we talked about this already, Scotty; Im not going to prom. Period. She couldnt understand for the life of her why anyone would want to attend such a large gathering with people they didnt even like. Besides, why would you want to go with me? There are lots of other girls who would be happy to attend prom

with a good lookin guy like you. Her voice would fall on deaf ears as she approached an empty table. Setting her tray down, she glanced behind her to see Scotty standing where she left him, an expression on his face as if hed just been kicked in the gut. Saoirse sighed to herself softly. Dont look at me like that. Its not the end of the world just cuz Im not going to prom. Now come on, lets have some lunch then see what kind of trouble we can get into the shop before class. The tall boy didnt move, only stared at her with a crushed look etched into his features. For a moment, it seemed like the entire world stopped as her eyes locked onto his as they just stared at each other, Saoirses eyes begging him not to cause a scene. Just because Im not Zack doesnt mean it wouldnt be a good time Saor. A deep frown settled on Saoirses face, his words cutting deep. That was a long time ago Scott. Look, I appreciate the thought and all, I really do, I just dont want to go to prom. Zack has absolutely nothing to do with my choice in the matter. She averted her eyes from his and started to unzip the main pocket of her backpack. Now can you please just give me the book back and pretend this conversation didnt happen? Please, Scotty? She doubted many of the other students were paying attention but it didnt stop her from feeling like eyes were boring holes into her skin. Why did he have to bring up the prom situation now anyways; couldnt it have waited until after school? Bullshit, Saor. I think you know as well as I do that youre lying. This has everything to do with Zack. Scott scoffed bitterly. Ever since we were kids it was always Zack this and Zack that. Remember that Saoirse? Then what happened? Hmm? Scotty let his tray drop to the table with a clang. Ill tell you what happened. Grade nine at the Valentines Dance. The two

of you made a pact that you would go to prom together but guess what, that fell apart when he won us the football game that spring. Didnt it? Didnt it! He tugged at his shirt with his free hand as he took deep calming breaths to avoid attracting too much attention. Saoirse stood motionless as Scottys voice washed over her like a wave of disdain. She wasnt going to deny that Zack had hurt her when he cast her friendship aside that summer following grade nine. Zack had been her first real friend when she moved from Ireland with her family. She had just been a timid five year old hiding in the corner of the kindergarten classroom when he approached her, wanting to know if she wanted to play with him and his friend. It was because of Zack that she had met Scotty. The two boys had helped teach Saoirse how to brave her new world unafraid because she knew they would always be there to help her when she needed it. At least, thats what she had thought back in the day. Hell, he wasnt the only person to change. Rikku had too, up until then the four of them had been little hellions, partners in crime. When Rikku had moved to town in grade four, Saoirse had been the first one to befriend her. If it hadnt been for Saoirse, Rikku wouldnt have had an in with Zack. After Zack had become the youngest football star ever though, Rikku had seemed to have discovered she didnt need to put up with Saoirse anymore or compete for attention. It was that old story of cheerleader and football jock coming to life before Saoirses eyes. Scotty had been the only one who hadnt change, the only one who stayed. Are you even listening to me? Hello? Scottys hand waved in front of her face, causing her to blink and return to the present situation. Of course youre not listening to me. You never listen to me when its important. Its always about you and what you want or what you have to say especially now that youre an only child. He sighed heavily, the notebook clutched tightly in his grip as he jabbed it at her trying to emphasize his point. Glancing around, they could see

his outburst was starting to draw a few stray stares from surrounding students. He turned his gaze back to Saoirse, who suddenly felt a lot smaller than she actually was. His chest heaved as he took a deep breath in, his free hand combing through his hair, trying to calm himself down. Look, Im sorry for blowing up like that but seriously Saor, think about it. Its like you forget that Im even here most of the time and that Just, give me back my book and Ill leave you alone. How would that be? Saoirses voice was quiet but harsh as she lifted her head up to meet Scotts gaze. Her green eyes burned into his like acid burning through metal. I promise you wont ever have to hear about me and my problems again, now hand it over. Saoirse kept her voice low and even as she spoke to him, hand out-stretched waiting for him to place the book in the open palm as the pages twitched. A disgruntled sound emerged from Scotty, as his gentle, pleading features hardened. Im trying to be your friend Saoirse but youre making it hard. You want your book back, fine. Take it. His words were cold much like her fathers had been when her mother handed him the divorce papers. I protected you. For all these years, I protected you when people made fun of you when you moved here. I lied for you Saoirse when weird shit started happening, when you started acting weird. I put my ass on the line and you wont put aside your pride to do this tiny favor for me? Throwing the book down on the table, the pages bounced open and he watched her with his hands in the air. Im done. I give up. Saoirse stared at him in disbelief, feeling as though he had just knocked the wind out of her lungs. Scotty What was his problem? He was supposed to be her friend, he was supposed to understand her and why she didnt want to go to prom. Why was he acting like this? What the hell is wrong with you? I thought you were my friend? You know I would do anything for you but just stop asking me about prom. Please! Her voice a little shaky as she saw the

reaming pieces of her world starting to crumble further than it already had. If she lost Scotty, she knew she would feel as though shed have nothing left to live for. She didnt want to lose her only true friend over something as trivial as prom, but she couldnt admit that he was right especially as of late. Awe, Saoirse, how could you? Look at his poor face. I think you broke him. Rikkus raspy, harpy-like voice sounded like nails on concrete to Saoirse as she stepped up from behind Scotty. Saoirse curled her lip in disgust, how could anybody be so stupid as to think the girl actually looked tanned? Just because your father throws all the good things he had in life away doesnt mean you should do everything he does. Silly Saoirse Ill go to the prom with you, Scott. Saoirse felt her stomach lurch, the feeling of nausea hitting her like a hurricane just thinking about Scotty going to prom with a too-tall, too skinny looking Umpa lumpa. Dont you have anyone else you can harass, Rikku? Or do you just like swooping in like a radio-active bat, trying to sink your teeth into anything good other people have? The soft sound of near-by students surprised gasps and giggles were music to Saoirses ears, soothing them as Rikku took a moment to stare at her. The girls had never been more than superficial best friends, the whole town knew that but after the group split their bitter rivalry had finally come to a head in when they were in grade eleven. Come on Scotty, Ill show you what Ive been working on lately. Saoirse grabbed her bag, no longer feeling hungry enough to eat anything on her tray. Instead of following though, Scotty remained standing where he was, seemingly dumbfounded by the idea that the high-schools two most attractive girls, even after taking into account the poorly applied spray tan on Rikkus skin, appeared to be fighting over him. I uhm, I

think Im gonna stay and actually eat something today Sorry Saoirse, you can show me later through right? It was Saoirses turn to be surprised. Scotty was blowing her off to have lunch with Rikku? What the hell is this all about? Since when did these two become buddy-buddy? Saoirse blinked slowly, letting his words sink in and felt the anger and betrayal start to swell and boil as Rikku gave her a victorious smile Come on Scott, you can sit over here beside me. Zack honey, move over please. Feeling defeated, Saoirse picked up her bag as Rikku turned away to guide Scotty to her groups table. There was no way in any life time that Saoirse was going to stick around and watch Rikku drain everything good about Scotty way. Oh, by the way, Saoirse. Dont forget your book. Picking up the open notebook, the mocking sound of Rikkus reminder made Saoirses blood run cold as she watched the other girls eyes skim the page. Oh, right. Please dont read it. Ill take that Saoirse reached for it but Rikku moved, turning her back to Saoirse as Zack stood from the table to act as a barrier between the girls. Oh no, I think this page is very interesting. A cruel smile curled upon the bow shaped lips of Rikku as she cleared her throat. Ahem. December 23. It happened again. One of those weird happenings. I dont know if Im losing my mind or if- A throaty growl reverberated from Saoirse. Im serious Rikku. Stop reading and give back the book.

-something is really going on. Theyre getting more frequent, especially when Im upset or excited. I told Scotty about them, hes known for years but I dont think he actually believes me when I sayRikku! I swear to god Im going to hurt you if you keep reading. Saoirse could feel the anger tumbling around in the pit of her stomach as she looked between her three former friends. How could they do this to her? Rikku she could understand, but not the guys. Especially not Scotty even if they had just had an argument. She reached, trying to get past Zack but couldnt, despite their size differences he had her well blocked off from the book. -I think I have powers. He laughs and gives me a hug, saying that only comic book freaks have powers to move things. Maybe hes right. Maybe Im just stressed out with school and the family drama. Ive decided Im definitely not going to prom for sure too. I dont want to deal with Zack and his talking blow-up doll any more than I have to at school. Saoirse swallowed heavily as her eyes locked with Rikkus as they came off the page. Slowly she started backing away, feeling afraid for her life. The look on Rikkus face was unnatural, far too predatory for any normal human being. Look, Rikku, I can explain The anger started to slowly ebb away to fear. Saoirse wasnt an idiot and knew Rikku was the type of girl to try and claw her eyes out and Saoirse had no desire to lose the last good thing her dad had given to her. Hands held up in defense as she tried feeling for a way out, she glanced between the threesome again, her eyes locked on the tray she had left on the table. Please, please, please. Work The sound of a shriek was followed by the clattering sounds of utensils, lunch tray and food falling to the floor, all of which echoed through the suddenly quiet cafeteria. Saoirse stared,

as the others stared at the fawn-skinned princess who was covered in minestrone, and vanilla pudding and the items that had flipped from the table to the teenage girl to the floor. Ho-ly shit It worked! Saoirse could feel her face starting to burn with embarrassment and the personal knowledge that she had just flipped a tray of food without touching it. Drops of perspiration forming a watery crown along her hairline as she sucked her bottom lip in between her teeth and rubbed her sweating palms against her denim covered thighs. She could feel everyones eyes shifting from the cheerleader to her. She knew they were expecting an explanation, a logical reasoning for why the tray of food had flipped, and landed on the other girl without being touched. Saoirse had nothing. You bitch. Saoirse watched as Rikku flicked her wrists and caused smatterings of soup and pudding too fly off in various directions like rain drops. Saoirse swallowed heavily as Rikku took a few steps towards her while one of the slender girls groupies picked a piece of celery out of Rikkus hair. Frantically, she started gazing around to try and find a quick escape route. Her fingers started shaking in shock, amazement and terror of what kind of beast she had awoken in Rikku with that little stunt. Look, at what you did to my new shirt. Do you have any idea what this cost me, or where it came from. The cafeteria stilled as their local goddess spoke, everyone afraid to move, to speak, to breathe in case she turned her anger on them. If there was one thing a person didnt do it was piss off Rikku Amato, especially since her daddy had a finger in everything and could make life very miserable for anyone who upset his little girl with just a word or whisper or photo-shopped picture. I dont know how you did that but you, are going to pay. Rikku stalked closer to Saoirse, who had stopped looking for an escape route and had decided to try and make one.

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Sadly, it seemed the entire school had been waiting for this moment, when the two would finally confront each other and made a very thick barrier between Saoirse and the doors no matter how hard she tried to push students away. Without further warning, Saoirse felt Rikku Amatos talons in her hair, yanking her back and making her cry out in protest. Get off of me! Turning around to face the attacker, Rikkus indigo blue eyes flashed into Saoirses as the perfectly manicured nails of Rikku tried gouging out Saoirses jade-colored eyes. With a small screech, Saoirse closed her eyes and raised her arms trying to protect herself. Son of a , Saoirse pushed as hard as she could to shove Rikku away in order to buy herself some time. Looking back up, she saw the girl approaching again, not done with trying to teach Saoirse a lesson. Growling primitively, she tackled the cheerleader to the ground and she could hear crowd gasp in shock seeing that the schools local shadow seemed to have a back bone as she pinned the fights instigator against the cheap linoleum and pressed her hand against her throat to choke her out, maybe even completely suffocate her. Just as it seemed she might have had the upper hand, a voice sliced through the cheers and shouts of encouragement for a fight that had been echoing across the cafeteria and down the halls. Ms. OBryne! Please remove yourself from Ms. Amato and make your way to my office. The voice was cold as Zack and Scotty pulled the struggling Saoirse up and off the town beauty before more damage could be done. Shrugging away from the traitors, Saoirses eyes quickly scanned the faces of her two former friends. Making eye contact with each of them, she matched their looks of shock and apology with one of disgust and disappointment. She scowled as part of her heart broke. Grabbing her bag, she cast a glare at the coughing blond still on the

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floor. This was all Rikkus fault but of course, Saoirse would be the one getting in trouble. Not that this was anything new. Saoirse was always getting in trouble and Rikku was always the innocent victim, especially now that Saoirse was part of the single crazy parent club. Ignoring the whispers of derogatory terms, including the word freak that slipped from Zacks lips, she pushed past the crowd but didnt plan on going straight to the office. Why bother when shed be sent home anyway, right? Might as well just skip the middle step and go home. Ms. OBryne. My office, now. The voice repeated behind her while she had tried to slip away. A disgruntled sigh dropped from her mouth as she redirected herself to the main office. The rest of you, get to class. Saoirse trudged into the principals office and threw her backpack into one of the empty chairs before dropping into the other with a grunt. Slouching with her gaze to the ground, she started trying to make a mental map of where her life had gone so wrong. Back again Saoirse? Im beginning to think we should just set up a cot for you in the back. Then you could just live here. This makes your third visit this week alone. The soft chuckle of the head secretary only made Saoirse slouch further into her seat as she waited for the principal to return from dispersing the rest of the students from the cafeteria. While she probably had the right idea, about just having Saoirse live in the office the young woman wasnt sure she liked the building that much to leave her dads trailer. So what happened this time? Get caught breaking into the garage again? The secretary paused and Saoirse could feel her trying to examine her partially hidden face from the other side of the desk. Or did you have a make-out session with a thorn bush? Lifting her head up, she shook her head. I really dont want to talk about it. Dropping her chin again, she closed her eyes, the image of the patented Amato grin from Rikkus face

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creeping into her thoughts. That same Amato grin her uncle wore the day he married her mother with those tight closed lips and beady blue eyes. Saoirse sighed. When did she start let herself get into these kinds of situations, Saoirse couldnt figure out. She hadnt been the best student in the world, paper airplanes, spit-balls doodling in class and often day dreaming but nothing to the extent of sneaking into the school shop without teacher supervision or getting into fights. At least not until the last year or so and it was found out that Saoirses mom had left her dad for Rikkus uncle, a wealthy man a few counties over and people had started rubbing it in her face. Saoirse flexed her fingers as she thought about the damage Rikkus family had done to hers and found that the list in her mind was about as long as the list of students graduating. As much as Saoirse wanted to blame Rikku and her family for everything, it wasnt only their fault. Her own mother and sister needed to take some accountability too. Tilting her head back, Saoirse looked up at the paneled ceiling and fluorescent lights. If her mother hadnt been such a greedy woman, maybe her family would still be together. Saoirse was still surprised at what a person would do for money and attention. After everything her parents had been through, the problems in Ireland, the move to America and finally a divorce. It wasnt her dads fault the garage had gone through a bad spell and they had a tighter year. It had been one year, things had started to pick up again and then the divorce papers had been filed. Things went south from there. Her dad had started drinking more and more, her mom and sister had left, but Saoirse had stayed and this was her prize: sitting in the principals office, waiting certain expulsion in her final year of high school along with some cuts and bruises. Saoirse let out the breath she had apparently been holding and sat up a little, glancing at the clock. It hadnt seemed to have moved far from when she originally walked in yet she felt as if she had been sitting for a lifetime. Stretching her arms up above her head, she rolled her

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shoulders, trying to release the tension she felt between her shoulder blades. She winced a little, as she was already starting to feel the physical effects of the brief scuffle she had. Saoirse still couldnt believe any of that had still happened. How could Scotty just stand by and let Rikku read something he knew was private? How could he have picked her over Saoirse? She slapped her palm against the arm of the chair. Shit! Her book! Rikku still had her notebook. Great. She was screwed. Even if Saoirse got expelled from the school, Rikku would still have material to use against her. Language. Saoirse slouched in the chair again. She couldnt believe she had forgotten about her notebook in her hurry to get out of the cafeteria. Quietly, she smacked herself in the forehead; she totally could have used her powers to grab it before she left. Crap. Maybe shed get lucky and the principal would pick it up and be nice enough to return it to her. She was pretty sure that would be a shot in the dark but any hope was better than no hope at all at the moment. The door to the main office opened and Saoirse looked up in time to see the principal walk in. Reaching over to grab her bag, she started to stand but stopped when he raised his hand. Stay right there Ms. OBryne. Ill deal with you in a moment. I need to make a couple calls first. Immediately Saoirse knew she would be getting an ear full when she got home. She grimaced as she sat back down with a sigh. Maybe it wouldnt be as bad as she was thinking; after all she had been fighting with the girl who caused her dad to basically lose his mind and his job. Then again, maybe she would just wake up and all this would be nothing more than a bad nightmare. No split up family that didnt want to deal with her, no backstabbing friends, no weird powers.

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She glanced down at her slender fingers and turned her hands over, examining them closely. Had she really caused that tray of food to go flying just by wishing it to? She scoffed and rested her hands in her lap. No way, it wasnt possible. Telekinesis was for the story books and cheesy superhero comic books, there was no way it could be real, even if she had been dealing with strange little happenings most of her life. Books fell off shelves all the time, doors popped open lots. Coincidence, just like Scotty had suggested. Pushing up the sleeves of her sweater, she decided to give herself a dream test. Pinching her skin, she cringed at the sting. Alright, so she was apparently awake, which meant she had gotten into a fight with Rikku and now her dad was getting a call, assuming he was even home, and she had flipped a tray of food without touching it. She felt the corners of her mouth turn up in just a hint of a smile, feeling just a little victorious knowing she had ruined an expensive shirt and probably the rest of Rikkus afternoon. Sweet. There is nothing sweet about happened Ms. OBryne. The principal poked his head out the doorway of his private office and motioned for Saoirse to join him. Youre in a lot of trouble this time young lady. Be happy I cant seem to get a hold of your father at the moment. Rolling her eyes, she picked up her backpack and dragged her feet into the office, shutting the door behind her. Taking a seat, she continued to slouch attempting to appear nonchalont about any potential punishment she was about to have dished out to her. Ms. OBryne, you are aware this is your third visit in the last week. The door clicked closed behind the middle aged man as he crossed the office, a look of disappointment and concern on his face. I understand youre having difficulties at home, but that is no reason for your behaviour in school. He took a seat across from her, creating the distance that suggested he was superior both as a male and as an adult. You are also aware that Ms. Amato could press

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charges of assault if she so decided. Though they both knew she wouldnt. She had the entire town wrapped around her finger; why should she bother getting the law involved when she could just ruin her life in a more subtle manner? Not that was much left to ruin. She had already stolen both of Saoirses friends and her mother. Saoirse studied the man, critically from behind black lashes. He claimed to understand her situation but she doubted it. She nodded her head in understanding of what he said, though the words floated over her head. Why postpone the inevitable, she knew she should be expelled. She had a string of classes she had skipped while working at her dads garage, another small list of classes she was failing and now this. Resting her hands in her lap, her bag between her feet, she blinked slowly. What happens at home was not the cause for that. She thumbed towards the office indicating the fight and her current reason for being where she was, this was caused from Rikku being a thieving She stopped herself and ignored the cold glare she got from the principal and continued. If she had just given me back my notebook that Scotty had stolen from me earlier today, all of this could have been avoided. First off, youre in a school so I suggest you watch your language. Secondly, if you dont want people reading your private thoughts, perhaps you shouldnt write them down and bring them to school. He leaned forward and rested his hands on his desk. I dont care about who started the fight or why it was started. All I care about is that it happened and you are at the center of it, just like every other mess that happens at this school. Youre right. How could I forget that its always my fault when something goes wrong in this low security prison. She sighed as he gave her a look of disapproval. Can I go home now? We both know youre not letting me stay in class for the rest of the day. She had been

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trying to appear nonchalant but inside, she was terrified - mostly of what her father would say when he found out she was expelled more than anything. The high-school principal leaned back in his chair, a contemplative look on his face. True. Youre not going back to classes today. He paused, But Im not expelling you either even though I am being pressure to do so by Mr. Amato. Saoirse couldnt help from keeping her face drop in surprise and confusion. I know the rules state I should, but you used to have such potential to be an excellent student. So instead, you get two weeks suspension and in-school detention for the rest of the year upon your return from detention. He leaned forward, hands grasping each other as they rested on his fake wood desk. If you do not attend every in-school detention or cause any more problems, you will be expelled. Please dont make me regret my decision not to expel you now. He sat up straight and had given her a friendly smile. Now, if youll excuse me, I need to try and contact your father and inform him of what happened. He dismissed her with a wave of his hand, sending her on her way. Saoirse grabbed her bag and left, making sure she closed the office door behind her while the principal waited for her father to pick up the phone. Assuming he would pick up the phone. She didnt want to think about the fight that would ensue when she got home if he wasnt out. Live to see another day? The receptionists question was answered with a low huff as the senior student headed out into the hallway. Slinging her bag over her shoulder, Saor found herself faced with an important decision: would she turn her back on her education, allowing herself to get expelled by walking out of the building or would she face the consequences of the actions she had been backed into using, unfairly, by going to the detention hall?

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Chapter 2. Carefully and as quietly as possible, Saoirse turned the cold aluminum doorknob to open the door to the detention hall. Try as she might though, her efforts were in vain as they didnt stop the small group of students already sitting there from looking up to see who was joining their ranks that day. Swallowing heavily and trying to disperse the lump of shame growing in her throat, she kept her eyes low as she settled on a desk against the far wall by the windows as her sanctuary for her sentence. Resting her bag on the floor by her feet, she opened the main compartment and started to rifle through it to pull out her books. She figured she might as well make use of her time there and distract herself from the alternative options. Saoirse OBryne I presume? The voice caught her off guard as she jerked her head up to see who was talking to her. Um, yes. She blinked as she focused on the tall, slender male standing by her desk. Sitting up straight allowed her a better view as she studied the youthful features and they took her by surprise. He looked too old to be a student and yet too young to be a teacher and it was baffling her spinning brain. Can I help you? The young man smiled warmly at her and her confused state of mind. Welcome to the detention hall. Im Mr. Nizche. Or Devin. I like to keep things pretty casual in here, away from the others. He shrugged his shoulders. Just wanted to welcome you and let you know if you need a hand with anything Im here to help. His smile faded a little as he leaned over her ear and whispered, And tell you I was quite impressed with the show you put on this afternoon. Its nice to see a student with some backbone once in a while even if they end up here. Saoirse couldnt believe what she was hearing. He was a teacher, the one in charge with the deliquint student body and he allowed them to call him by his first name and he was

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impressed with what she had done? This couldnt be happening. She honestly couldnt recall ever seeing him before and he was definitely someone she would have remembered. I must have slipped in the hall or something. She mused softly as she went bag to digging her items out of the bag. It wasnt possible for a teacher to be impressed with a freak like her, let along look and smell as good as he did. Nope, just wasnt possible. Not in her school. As the time passed, she tapped her pen against her history book and tried to focus on remembering the dates and names of the old dead people she was reading about but found herself preoccupied with other thoughts. Did the principal get a hold of her dad? Would he even care about what had happened? She wiggled in her seat a little bit and frowned. Once upon a time she would have imagined him laughing and saying Yup, thats my girl! and hanging up the phone but now Now she wasnt sure what his reaction would be. Hed become unpredictable at the best of times. Running her fingers through her hair, Saor sighed heavily and set her pen down on the book, the ticking of the clock growing in her ears against the silence of the room. I cant take it anymore. She started rummaging through one of the smaller pockets of her bag, trying to find her iPod. The silence and the clock ticking were going to drive her mad. She always imagined the detention hall either a noisy ruckus of unruly students or a miniature prison with a heavy handed over-lord teacher. This was neither. The students doodled or worked on their homework and the teacher was well to be honest she wasnt sure what he was. Definitely not what she had been expecting thats for sure. Pulling the device from her bag she started to plug her ear phones in and then stopped. Were they allowed to listen to their music here? Taking a quick glance around her, she didnt notice anyone else wearing headphones and suddenly felt self-conscious about putting hers in. Wrapping the cord up, she slowly got up and made her way up to the desk of Mr. Nizche. Um Mr. Nizche?

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She shifted from foot to foot as the young teacher glanced up from the novel he was reading and smiled at her. It wasnt fair that he had such a warm and relaxing smile. Yes Ms. OBryne? Or the way he said her name. Maybe she should just leave and go home. Surely her father would be too busy drowning his own sorrows to notice his daughter had dropped out of high school to avoid being expelled because of someone else. Saoirse cleared her throat, Um, just wondering but are we allowed to listen to our music while we work? Why was she acting so awkward around him? He was just another teacher after all for crying out loud. A small wave of relief washed over her as he nodded his head. Of course. Music is allowed as long as you dont have it up so loud you cant hear me in the case of an emergency. Nodding back, she turned to return to her seat and try working on something else but couldnt stop the nagging question in the back of her mind. Are you new here? There, she said it. She couldnt help it; she needed to know if she had really been so preoccupied that she had never seen him before or if he really was just that new to the school. The following sound made her knees go a little weak as he chuckled at her question. I am actually. I finished my bachelor of education over the summer and was lucky enough to land a temporary job here about three weeks ago while Mrs. Carlson is on maternity leave. Leaning his elbows on the desk, he set his book down. So no, youre not blind or crazy for having not seen me before. As if hed read her mind, or at least her facial expressions, he gave her a wink. Now, why dont you go try and do some work. Still have about an hour before the end of the day. Settling back down at her desk, she plugged her headphones in and turned her music onto shuffle. She couldnt remember the last time shed felt so childish after talking to a guy. Easily not since she started high-school, what made it worse in her mind was it was a teacher making her feel so giddy. He was a teacher, she was a student. That was a big no-no in any book. Putting

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away her history book she decided maybe shed just do some sketch work for a car she wanted to work on. Pulling her journal out of her bag she flipped through it until she found an empty page and started her rough sketch. Ms. OBryne? The sound of a gentle voice and the removal of an earphone snapped Saoirse out of her daze as she tore her eyes off the paper in front of her and she glanced around at the now completely empty classroom. Ms. OBryne, you can go home now if you want. There was a light laugh to Devins voice as he leaned against the desk across from hers. Unless youd rather spend all night here though that may be a little spooky. Checking the time, Saoirse nearly jumped out of her desk. Its four oclock already? Man! How could you let me stay so late? She couldnt help but whine a little as she stuffed her journal back into her bag with her pencils. My dads gonna kill me. She paused at the frown on the teachers face. Not literallywell, at least I dont think literally. I didnt want to disturb you. You seemed quite focused on whatever it was you were working on and I understand how interruptions can ruin a train of thought but I didnt want you to end up locked inside either. At least not without food. He cocked his head to the side. What is it youre working on anyways? It looked like a sketch of some sort if I may ask. Zipping up her bag, she nodded. Yeah Its a new design I had in mind for a custom paint job for a car. It was the only thing that could truly distract her from the world around her, working with cars. My dads a mechanic here in town, best one by most peoples standards and I help out. She also cleans the house, books his clients appointments, reminds her father about the appointments and baby sits his giant drunk self. Look, Id love to stay and chat about it but I really need to get going and make sure dinner is on the stove.

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Before Devin could open his mouth, Saoirse crossed the room and was out the door. She needed to put some space between herself and the teacher before she did or said something stupid, an act she seemed prone to doing as of late. Outside the school, she allowed herself to collapse onto one of the benches outside and took several deep breaths. Well, that was a close call, any longer and you would have ended up a bumbling fool. Her inner self laughed at the situation while she tried to calm down. She knew her brain was right and it bothered her that someone she had just met could make her falter like she had with this new teacher. It was ridiculous, outlandish and just plain stupid in her mind. Patting down her pockets, she felt her heart stop for a whole other reason. Double checking the bag, she slumped against the bench. She couldnt believe it, shed left her iPod behind in the classroom in her rush to get away from Devin. Faaaantastic. It was going to be one hell of a walk home without music. Hey Saor! Saoirse felt her heart jump into her throat as someone shouted her name. Looking around to see who it was, she spotted Scott waving at her from the parking lot and frowned. Not who she wanted to see at the moment not that she wanted to see Devin either but after what Scott had done in the cafeteria that afternoon; she really didnt want anything to do with him right now. What do you want, traitor? The frown deeply rooted and her voice sharp as she picked up her bag, making sure he wouldnt have easy access to her journal again as he walked towards her, stalling only once when he heard the tone of her voice. She kept a close eye on him as he paused less than two feet from where she sat. Saor Please, dont be that way. I want to apologize about what happened. Im sorry I did what I did. It was a dick move and youre right. I shouldnt be pushing you to come to prom but I really think

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if you came with me wed have an awesome time. She watched as he fidgeted a trait she thought was kind of cute when he got nervous. I was wrong and I want to make it up to you if youll let me. He took a cautious step forward. Please? Lets go for a drive. While the offer was tempting and the way he was looking at her with his big brown eyes did soften her attitude, Saoirse shook her head. No drive. And Im not about to forgive you that easily Scott. You betrayed me in there and now you think you can just come up, say youre sorry and everything will be okay? She watched him flinch and she shook her head. Nu-uh. Not that easy buddy. Youll be lucky if I even consider accepting your apology after a stunt like that. She stood up. Maybe we can talk about this later but Im already late getting home and you know how my dad can be if supper is being made on time. Shrugging her bag onto her shoulders, she started past Scott. Maybe Ill see you later. Maybe. As she passed by him, she felt him catch her elbow. Saoirse, please Ill do anything to make it up to you His soft voice pleading with her to at least look at him, which she refused to do knowing shed be sucked into the vortex of his big brown orbs. Shaking him off, she shook her head. We can talk about it later. I need to get home. Why couldnt something go right today? At least let me give you a ride home. She couldnt take it anymore. Slowly, she lifted her head to look the boy square in the eye, her features darkened with frustration and anger at his persistence. What the hell is wrong with everyone today? What? Is it annoy the piss out of Saoirse Day or something? Why cant everyone just leave me alone for just a little bit today? Behind her, small rocks and pebbles were levitating themselves off the ground in reaction to the energy resonating from the Irish girl. I just want, a little peace and quiet. I have had a very, very long day no thanks to you and your

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idiocy and back stabbing ways yet the only place I seemed to have it was the damned detention hall! She huffed, trying to calm herself despite wanting to just scream and rage. Scottys face paled as he watched the girl he thought he knew and the items that were starting to float in reaction to her anger and uncontrolled emotions. Now, you wont leave me alone after turning your back on me in the cafeteria and you except me to just say Oh hey Scotty. Yeah I forgive you for being a total douchebag! Well guess what buddy, it aint about to happen! Now do me a favor and just leave me alone. She watched him shrink until he looked like he was going to hide in the blades of grass under their feet. Taking a deep breath in, the sound of rocks and pine cones hitting the ground echoed through an eerily quiet student parking lot as she gathered her bag up again and she turned her back on him and walked away so he wouldnt see how tired she was, emotionally and mentally. Now all she had to do was deal with her father and maybe have a nice hot bath.

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Chapter 3. Pretty sure it was clear and sunny when I left the school. Her mind whined and complained as she pulled her jacket up as high as it would go, attempting to hide from the rain cloud that had decided it wanted to be her best friend on her way home, Saoirse sloshed her way through the growing puddles that filled her shoes with water no matter where she seemed to step. Stupid Murphys law. Should have accepted Scottys offer for a ride home. Maybe that would have ended better. She muttered in a disgruntled way as her fathers dissolving bungalow came into view. At least she was almost home. The closer she got to the house though, the more it seemed her stomach churned and dropped from anxiety. She had no idea what to expect after the events of today at the school and who knew what kind of day at the shop hed had. Even from half a block away she could see the lights were on which meant her dad was home and for a split second almost turned to walk back the way shed come and find an alternative means of getting out of the rain and sleeping. Hes probably passed out on the couch by now or something. Wouldnt even notice if I never came home until he got hungry or the house suddenly wasnt clean. Having stopped a couple houses down to take shelter under a large tree from the cold sky tears, Saoirse watched the shadow of a man stumble around the living room and she sighed heavily. As she observed the silhouette move against the curtain from a safe distance a question formed in her mind: could she do it? Could she actually leave her fathers house and never look back? Her stomach knotted at the idea of abandoning her dad. Her mother and younger sister had left and look what it had done to the man. Once a proud Irish mechanic, he was nothing more than a shell of his former self and it was enough to make Saoirse sick. No, she knew that unless

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he actually lifted a hand against her, she would have a hard time leaving him. He needed her and she needed him. They were family and they were all they had. Finally moving from under the haven of the tree, she crossed the street and headed up the drive of her house. There, in the car port sat the saddest looking rust bucket she had ever seen. Oh no Saoirse had said she always wanted a car that needed a little work but this was pushing the limits. The dull gray color of the car barely showed through the mud and rust that was already starting to flake off. This wasnt a project; this was a piece of junk that needed to be compacted. She may have been her fathers daughter but surely even he didnt think this was salvageable. Giving the front bumper a tap with the toe of her shoe, Saoirses hand flew to her throat as she tried to catch her heart from escaping as the metal fell off and onto the gravel with a thud. Jesus Christ. As if this day cant get any worse I broke a broken piece of - Youre lucky youre even getting that hunk of junk. Her fathers voice fell heavy to Saoirses ears much like the bumper had to the ground from the car and like the bumper, scared her just as much. Turning to face him, she could see it on his face that he knew what had taken place at the school today or at least the schools side of what had happened and couldnt help but grimace at the mixed tones of anger, disappointment and a hint of drunkenness. Keeping her eyes on his, she waited patiently as he lumbered down the stairs, towards her despite wanting nothing more than to run inside and get into some dry clean clothes. Care to explain why your school is calling me at work this afternoon? The smell of cheap beer mixed with whiskey was almost enough to mask the smell of marijuana. He wasnt subtle at all was he about what hed been doing since he got home. Nudging the tread-less rubber that made up the front right tire of the stagnant heap of metal, she gave her shoulders a nonchalant shrug. Nothing to explain; in school suspension

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and detentions for the rest of the year for giving a particular blonde bitch exactly what she had coming to her. The seventeen year old paused, giving the hallowed man in the navy blue bathrobe a daring look, almost egging him on to scold her for the use of a word he favored. When he merely furrowed his brows at her, she continued. I do sincerely apologize though. On behalf of Kiss-My-Ass Secondary for pulling you out of your meeting with Mr. Daniels and Ms. Jane and I shall spare you from having to lift a finger around the house for another day. She peered at him with jaded eyes as she watched anger and something else, regret perhaps or maybe it was disappointment that filled the hazel circles as she mocked him venomously. Saoirse knew she wasnt exactly being fair but she felt good having a target to take her days frustration out on, especially one that was as easy to be angry at as he was. Returning her focus to the car, she started to circle it slowly, giving the sides a tap here and there to see if it would turn to dust. Does it run? From the corner of her eye she could still see him rub his face (which desperately needed a good shave) and she knew he wasnt done. Saoirse Does it run? She repeated, cutting him off before he could start in on her again about how he did the best he could to provide for her and knew he wasnt always the father he should be since her mother had left. Shed heard it before and how he would change but she had yet to witness any form of change in him and wasnt about to hold her breath. Got it here didnt I? There was a sort of smugness to his voice that came with the topic change that made her frown. She wasnt about to believe that even though it was sitting in their carport he had managed to limp it all the way there without some sort of engine issue or something falling off. Hell, she doubted it was even road legal. Peeking through the windows to see how the interior looked and she had to admit, it didnt look too shabby however she wouldnt

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be able to tell for sure until she had some good light and the door open. Anyways, do you plan on just standing there acting like some ungrateful little brat or are you going to actually get your ass in the house and do some cleaning? You can work out your plans for your new project later. As she turned to protest the notion that the car was going to be saved the screen door slammed shut behind her father as he staggered inside. She sighed heavily, Yeah be right in. Giving her new supposed project a good kick for good measure she cursed under her breath as she immediately regretted the decision, doing more damage to her foot than the frame. Piece of shit. Him and the car. With the way her luck was going shed probably end up dead at the wrath of the car. Shaking her head she gave the vehicle one last good glare before heading up the small set of stairs and into the house. One day shed escape, get away from the unnecessary stresses and bullshit like her mother and younger sister had. Inside she choked back a gag as she looked for the source of the wretched stench. What had her father done that could make the small house smell like burnt hair? Then she saw it: the remains of a charred hunk of meat, possibly a roast of some sort, sitting on the stove top and she hung her head in shame and disappointment. She had been late getting home and her moron of a dad had tried to cook something while he was drinking and not only burnt it but charred it so badly it was unrecognizable. It seemed Saoirse had some serious work cut out for her tonight. Kicking off her shoes she hurried down the hall to her bedroom so she could get out of the damp clothes and get cleaned up a bit. A nice hot shower and her fluffy pajamas were necessity before she even thought about trying to conjure something up for dinner before tackling the rest of the mess her father had made sometime between when she left for school on Friday and her return home twenty minutes ago. Grabbing what she needed, she headed for the

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bathroom when she heard her name being called from the main entrance. Saor? Im going to go grab something quick from the grocery store. Ill be back in a bit. Alright! A simple and automatic response as Saorise really just wanted her shower and didnt care where he was going or when hed be back. Though she was a little mystified by the fact that he had at least announced he was leaving this time. Shrugging it off, she kicked the bathroom door closed, plugged in her iPod to the speaker dock and started her shower.

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Chapter 4. Seriously, youd think it was a single teenage boy living in this house some days. Saoirse stared at the mess of a living before her and couldnt believe a grown man, fully capable of being clean and meticulous, could have caused such a disaster to happen. Yet it had, and it happened a little too frequently if she wasnt around to keep things in line. Yanking up the rubber gloves and opening the garbage bag, she took a deep breath and trudged forward to deal with the aftermath. I dont even wanna know where these came from She moaned as the bright pink and yellow thong hung in the air just a couple of inches above her hand. Let alone how the house ended up this turned upside down in the span of a couple days. It was about as hard to hide the look of disgust on her face as it was to not laugh at a dog with peanut butter in its mouth. Impossible. Her nose was crinkled as she waved her hand, sending the unsightly undergarments to the awaiting black bag of abyss. It wasn't like she didn't own a pair or two and was turned off by them, it was the mere fact she didn't know who they belonged to (and didn't want to know) nor why they were in her living room. Since her father had left some time ago and failed to return, Saoirse had passed the time cleaning and practicing her newly discovered art of telekinesis and it was proving to be a very handy trick to have while cleaning. The process had taken the better part of her evening but she was finally able to say she had the minimal basics of using it down despite it making her very tired. It probably didn't help that she had attempted to start with something big, like trying to sweep the floor. That particular feat hadn't worked out too well for her, as her mental capabilities weren't strong enough to hold move the broom properly let alone hold it up right. So she had moved on to smaller items. Like the underwear and the duster - though that too had proved to be slightly more difficult than originally thought. Nevertheless she had managed to dust most of the

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ceiling and get it fairly clean without bending in an awkward way on a chair with the exception of one spot behind her fathers old style color television that was home to some unknown substance that she was pretty sure used to be cake batter or something very similar but wasn't too sure about anymore. Tying up the garbage bag, she left it by the door and surveyed her handy work and smiled to herself. She had done a lot in the last couple hours and still no sign of her dad. She was wondering if he was ever going to come back with some food since she was starting to get a little hungry after all that cleaning. Stretching out her muscles she went and plopped herself on to the couch and turned on the T.V, finding a movie she vaguely remembered seeing before. Making herself comfortable, she decided to watch the movie while waiting to see if her dad came back with food though eventually just dozed off as the events of that afternoon replayed in her head.
Several hours later a sound outside the bungalow started the young woman awake and out of the nightmare shed been suffering from, finding herself twisted up in the blanket they kept on the couch and on the verge of falling off. Sitting up and leaning against the upholstery, she gave her eyes a rub to remove the sleep and try to make them adjust faster to the lightening. Blinking several times, the area finally seemed to come into focus and she noticed the 12 oclock news was playing on the television. Where is dad? He should have been back hours ago with dinner. She mused distastefully as she got up off the sofa to make sure no one had taken anything while she was knocked out on the couch since shed been smart enough to leave the door unlocked. Satisfied that everything was where it should be she stood in the kitchen trying to decide what her next move would be when her stomach growled, causing a frown to form on her face. This was stupid. The man was probably drunk somewhere with some whore from another county and had forgotten he was supposed to be grabbing dinner for his daughter and him. Well, I aint gonna starve because hes being an irresponsible jerk. Some days she wished she had a pet to talk to so she wouldnt

31 sound so weird talking to just herself but sometimes it just didnt help to keep the thoughts to herself. Grabbing her jacket off the back of her fathers old and torn recliner she headed for the door, grabbing her wallet off the counter on her way out the door, Saoirse double checked her pockets to make sure shed grabbed her keys off the counter as well before locking the door and heading down the porch to go find a place to eat at such an unusual hour. Making her way down the quiet sidewalk, she plugged her headphones in and turned on her music while side stepping the puddles created from the days earlier rain that reflected the streetlights back up to her. Head down and eyes to the ground, she hummed along to the song in her ears, remaining completely unaware to the approaching brawlers. It wasnt until they were upon her, knocking Saoirse off her feet and into a small crater of water as they pushed past her that she had even been aware there were other people actually out. Hey! Watch where youre going! She glowered at the larger men who stopped to see who was talking to them. With a disgruntled snort, one approached her, sporting a very cross look he peered down at her. Maybe little girls should watch where they walk, hm? Narrowing his eyes at her, he gave her a steely look before returning to his accomplice and continuing on their way. Saoirse glared at their backs but remained where she was until they were out of sight. She couldnt believe the audacity of some people. Well, one thing she was sure of was that one day, they would get theirs and it would be well deserved whatever it was. Pushing herself up off the ground, she groaned at the fact she now had wet, cold, soggy pants. She did debate ever so briefly about returning home to change but felt shed come so far already, even though it was only four blocks, to turn back now. She wasnt far from the twenty-four hour diner that was her destination and she doubted anyone there would really care if she was in partially damp pants. Dusting herself off, she made sure she hadnt lost anything and continued on her way. Three blocks later, she pushed open the door to the small, rundown diner. One of the last remaining remnants of the towns founding and still surprisingly enough, passed their health and safty

32 inspections. Picking a back corner booth, Saoirse shifted around trying to make herself comfortable on the ancient and cracking vinyl that covered the equally ancient and flattening foam stuffing. Unfortunately for her though, it seemed she was doomed to be picked and poked at by the fading material no matter where she sat at the table. Resigning herself to her fate, she let out a small sigh and picked up the laminated coffee stained menu and started perusing though her options. Can I get ya anything sweetheart? Saoirse picked her up from the menu and blinked at the elder woman who was to be her waitress. She had just sat down but she supposed she could order her drink. Um, yeah can I get a coke please? Sugar and caffeine just after midnight? Why not! Shed had a rough day, she derseved stuff that would probably kill her slowly from the inside right? That everything? Saoirse caught the look of annoyance and disapproval on the waitresses face and frowned right back at her. Can I have a couple more minutes to look over the food menu. It was more of a demand than a question and the expression when from disapproval with a hint of annoyance to just being annoyed. Oh sure. Take all the time you need and just wave me over when youre ready. The older woman snarked as she snapped close her writing pad and walked off to get the younger woman her coke. Twat. Saoirse grumbled under her breath when the waitress was gone. Like she hadnt dealt with enough stuff today, it seemed the waitress was going to be a complete cow to her now too. Thats exactly what she needed to keep herself from ripping out her hair in frustration. Deciding she would take a burger and fries (with lots of cheese lots, and lots of cheese and she could worry about the consequences later) she set the menu down and let her eyes wander around the quiet restaurant. She noted her waitress was nowhere in sight and groaned. Of course theyre never around when you want them to be. She shook her head and glanced out the window, spotting the lady outside having a smoke and grimaced inside. As she watched through the glass like an observer watching a mouse in a box, she couldnt help but wonder if there was a particular reason the woman was cranky. Was she always like

33 that or had something happened to make her like that? Those thoughts are too deep for contemplating at an old diner in the middle of the night. She gave her head another good shake and just relaxed as best she could against the plastic seating, checking her phone for the first time since shed left the school. Three messages from Scotty, none from her dad and one from an unknown sender. The last message caused the young woman to arch her eyebrow slightly as she read it over: Im sorry about earlier. I would like to see more of your work. It couldnt have been Scotty trying to trick her, he saw just about everything shed ever drawn, including some embarrassing attempts shed made as a child. Hmm She puzzled over it until the waitress finally came back. You finally ready to order or you just gonna sit there all night? Coming back to reality, Soairse handed up her menu. Burger, with bacon and extra cheese, and side of fries. She paused. Please. She added as the laminate was snatched out of her hand and into the cotton candy pink talons of the waitress. She couldnt help but feel a little amused by the look she was being given. It was a look of interest and minor confusing, probably wondering where Saor was going to pack away so much food since she was pretty tiny but she had a good metabolism and she was going to take advantage of it while it was still working. That all? She paused, shifting as a piece of the vinyl started poking the back of her knee again. Small thing of gravy if youve got it. The waitress nodded as she wrote the order down on her little notepad and walked off to hand it over to the cook. Leaning against the wall, Saoirse made herself as comfortable as possible and started flipping through her music selection to tide her over for entertainment until she could start gorging herself on grease, not paying attention to the fact another shadow was encroaching on her table. Little late for you to be out on a school night isnt it? Saoirse had been engrossed in searching for a particular song, which one she wasnt sure but would have known it when she heard it, she didnt see nor hear her schools detention hall teacher approaching her table so when she heard the voice, it startled her nearly half to death. Jerking to

34 attention, she dropped her phone to the ground and muttered out a few choice profanities as she cast the young teacher a glare. You shouldnt sneak up on people like that. Its mean. She glowered more as he gave her a cheeky smile. Sorry. I thought you saw me when you came in. Didnt you get my message? Focusing her attention on raising her phone back up to her from the floor without anyone else seeing, she cast him a side glance with a cocked brow. That was you? The unknown sender on my phone? She frowned a little. Howd you get my number? Watching as he took a seat across from her, she tucked her phone back into her pocket and waited for some completely rational explanation. Through the grape vine around the school. People talk, teachers listen. Or at least, sometimes listen. Besides it never hurts to have a students number in case of an emergency. Devon paused a moment before chuckling. I suppose it is a bit of a misuse of schools gossip ring and perhaps a bit of a privacy invasion but considering the social media you kids are on today, its not too bad. He mused as Saoirse continued to give him a disapproving frown. You havent answered my question yet and I believe I asked one first. Saoirse gave a bit of a huff as she slumped against the seat. No, its not too late for me to be out and about. Im almost eighteen and my dad isnt home so I dont foresee anyone caring. She gave a careless shrug. And I would say eavesdropping on peoples conversations simply to pick up a telephone number is a bit more than a little bit of an invasion of privacy. Pretty sure you could get in a lot of trouble for that if someone found out. Maybe even lose the right to teach for being stalkerish and creepy. She eyed him cautiously from across the table. Whats it to you if Im out late or not anyways. Im not your responsibility or anything so what gives? She watched him as he shook his head. Thats not true. Youre one of the students at the highschool I teach at. That makes you my responsibility to some degree, does it not? Saoirse nodded so he continued, Besides, I was already sitting over here and I saw you walk in and thought maybe something had happened so, I thought Id come see if you were okay. I havent seen any other students come in

35 here at midnight on a Monday night so its not a common occurrence. He rested his hands on the table and leaned back a bit. Thats when she noticed it, he was wearing glasses! She examined the man sitting across from her carefully now, trying to see if there were any other difference since shed seen him earlier that day at the school but she couldnt find them. Not that they looked bad on him, quite the contrary but it was a bit of a surprise after seeing him without them that afternoon. So let me get this straight: you come and sit in an old, run down diner every night or at least every Monday night, people watching? And what? Expecting they wont recognize you with your glasses on should you run into a student? She laughed in disbelief. Buddy, I think you have more issues than I do if thats your idea of fun and entertainment. She gave the waitress a small smile when her food was finally brought out and the older woman had cleared her throat for a little attention. Picking up a fry and plopping it in her mouth, Saoirse just watched Devon and tried to figure him out though that was proving more difficult than she originally imagined. Who was this guy? As she scrutinized him, he gave her a simple shrug. Sort of. Some of the people that come in on the weekend after the bars are interesting enough but no, I mostly come here to relax since its hard to do in an apartment where you can hear every little thing your neighbors do. She watched as he made himself comfortable despite her lack of invitation for him to join her and her obvious displeasure with him and his knowledge of her number. And to be fair, everyone has their issues, its just all in a matter of perspective. I however, feel yours may be more pressing than mine. She shifted under the gaze he set upon her, suddenly feeling like she was the one being put under a microscope. Would you like to explain why youre out here so late since you have figured out mine? For a moment, Saoirse deliberated with herself on if she should pour out her worries and troubles to this crazy man. He seemed to show a genuine interest and concern in her well-being, which wasnt exactly something she was used to from people. Not even Scotty ever seemed to truly care despite being the one to hear bits and pieces of what it was she was going through at home but never

36 knowing the full extent of it all. Chewing on a piece of her burger, she considered the idea but was finding it preposterous that she would even toy with the idea. It was none of his business, just like it wasnt there therapists business. What? Cant figure it out yourself mister smarty pants? She challenged after finishing the food in her mouth. You are the teacher here right? You guys are supposed to be so amazingly smart after all. Taking another bite, she waited for him to come back with some witty remark but instead, she watched his body language back off and turn rather lax against the seat across from her. Alright, I understand. Its not something youre ready to talk about yet. Slowly she watched him scoot out from behind the table. Its a personal matter and you arent sure how to deal with it yet and you dont want to ask for help. He paused as he stood up. Or perhaps you just dont know how to. He mused at the slightly stunned expression on Saors face. Either way, I shall let the subject lie for the time being. I sincerely apologize again for invading your privacy but if you ever need to talk, you just let me know okay? Not everyone is out to hurt you or alienate you. He offered her a small smile before heading for the front door, the bell ringing above the frame as he left. Had her food not been directly in front of her, Saoirse knew her head would have met the table surface with a thud. Instead, she opted for sliding down in her seat so she could barely see across the top and her toes pressed against the base of the opposite seat. Maybe its not everyone having an issue with me today, maybe its me having an issue with me today. Jesus Christ. She grumbled to herself as she sat in the most uncomfortable position for what felt like a life time. Pushing herself back up into a properly seated position she sighed heavily, feeling her appetite had decided to abandon her too. As much as she wanted to smack Devon in the head with a book bag with some really heavy books, she had to admit he was a pretty good judge of character. Asking for help wasnt exactly Saoirses forte and she knew it was a trait shed inherited from her overly proud yet drunken fool of a father. Not feeling so

37 hungry anymore, she pushed her plate to the side towards the window just on the off chance she still wanted to nibble on the fries and not have to worry about them being stolen to the kitchen. Sometime around two in the morning the teenager finally found herself dragging her overly exhausted butt through her front door, half expecting her lead feet to trip over her dads work boots and fall face first onto the floor and remain there until morning. Such a thing did not happen and seemed her father had yet to make it home after his disappearance to get food earlier in the evening. Not that she was surprised but it was still disheartening to come home to an empty house that never used to feel so foreign and lonely. Covering her mouth as a yawn echoed off the walls and back to her ears, she trudged her way down the hall and allowed herself the luxury of falling face first onto something much nicer than the kitchen floor: her bed, and drifted off to a sleep of nightmares and discomfort (possibly caused from the jeans but mostly from her own twisted dark mind).