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“That’s good,” he said, and it sounded like he genuinely meant it. “You were at home helping her last week? That’s why you didn’t come to school?”
“Um, yeah, she needed some help after the, uh, the—” I shook my head before adding, “Mam’s okay now. She’s back to work and everything.”
Johnny’s brows shot up. “So soon?”
You’re one to talk, Mr. Adductor…
I shrugged. “That’s what she wanted.”
“What about you?” Johnny asked then.
I frowned. “What about me?”
His blue eyes burned holes in mine when he said, “Are you okay?”
“I’m okay,” I croaked out, feeling incredibly nervous to be so close to him again.
“You know,” he mused. “I’m starting to really dislike that word.”
“Well, I am,” I choked out. “Okay, that is.”
“That’s good,” he said. “And your family—”
“I really don’t want to talk about it,” I said in a small voice. Ever again. “We’re moving on from it, so I’d prefer not to be reminded,” I added. “If that’s okay?”
“Shite, yeah,” he muttered. “I won’t say another word about it.”
I sagged in relief.
“I’m also really sorry,” I croaked out. “For the way we imposed on you at your house that day.”
“What?” Johnny frowned at me. “You didn’t impose on me.”
“I really did,” I admitted, embarrassed. “And so did Joey.”
“Shannon, I don’t feel that way,” he told me, tone gruff. “I don’t—so don’t think like that. Okay?”
“Okay.” I nodded. “Well, I should probably get going now.” Smiling weakly, I offered him a small wave and said, “Bye, Johnny,” before turning on my heels and walking away.
See, progress!
I wasn’t running.
“Wait,” Johnny called out, his voice coming from close behind me. “Are you walking home?”
Irrationally affected by his close proximity, I gripped the shoulder straps of my bag and nodded but didn’t stop walking.
“In this weather?” he asked, falling into step beside me.
“No, I’m just walking to the bus stop,” I explained quietly, keeping my eyes trained on the footpath ahead of me, careful to avoid the overflow of rainwater that seemed to be bubbling out of every drain.
It wasn’t an easy feat, what with my heart trying to burst its way out of my chest. That was another thing I needed to work on: controlling my body’s reaction around this boy.
He was walking beside me, and every time he took a step, his arm brushed against mine. It was clearly accidental, I doubted he even noticed it, and he was so big I was sure he couldn’t help it, but that didn’t mean my body didn’t react to the feel of him.
At least I was burning up now.
It helped with the damp.
