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I don’t have it in me to tell him that our phone got turned off last month. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
Reggie pulls out a joint. Jared rolls his eyes. “Smoke it quickly before we get to school. I don’t want to get into trouble.”
Reggie has been smoking more and more lately. I rarely join her because I can’t afford it, and I know there are addiction issues in my family. I used to think it was only my mom, but now I’m starting to think it’s my dad too. I certainly don’t want to end up like either of them.
She takes a long puff and then hands it to me. “Just take one hit. It will take the edge off.”
I suppose I deserve a little edge-reducing therapy, so I take a hit. I feel it right away. It numbs my body. Oh, this is nice.
“Do you want to come over after school and have dinner?”
I sigh. “I can’t come over every night. I’m sure your parents think it’s crazy that I’m always there for meals. I was at your house almost every night this summer.”
She shrugs like it’s not a big deal. “They love having you. You’re practically their third child.”
I can’t help but hug her. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. I hope I can be a good friend to you one day.”
She wiggles her eyebrows up and down. “You’re a hot guy magnet. You bring all the boys to our table at lunch. That sounds like a good friend to me.”
In the front Jared yells, “La la la. I didn’t hear that. My sister doesn’t like boys yet. She braids hair at night.”
Reggie and I giggle. What he doesn’t seem to know is that Reggiereallylikes boys. That, or he’s purposely ignoring it. She’s kissed way more boys than me. And she’s done more than kissing. I haven’t. I’m trying to stay focused on making a better life for myself. Boys are a distraction.
Jared drivesus to their house after school. Before we walk inside, he says, “I’ll drive you home tonight. I don’t think you should walk after dark.”
“You don’t have to if you’re busy. I’m used to long walks.”
“It’s fine. I’m happy to.”
“Thanks, J.”
Reggie and I do our homework until her mom calls us down for dinner. I look at the beautifully set table with real plates and silverware. There are steaks, potatoes, and green beans. They’re so lucky they get to eat this way. I’m lucky they include me.
We sit down and everyone talks about their days. It’sso…normal. At some point, Reggie’s parents look my way. Her mom clears her throat. “Mandy, Darren and I have discussed it, and we’d like to help you pay for the painting class.”
I widen my eyes and look at Reggie. She puts her head down, refusing to make eye contact with me.
I turn back to her mom. “That’s really nice of you, but I can’t accept it. I think you guys do enough for me.”
She nods. “We thought you might say that, so we have a proposition for you. We will lend you the money to cover your painting class, and when you sell your first painting, you’ll reimburse us.”
Tears sting my eyes. “You think I’ll sell paintings one day?”
Her face lights up. “We have no doubt. You’re incredibly talented.”
“Thank you for believing in me.” Is this what supportive parenting feels like? I’m going to be the most supportive parent ever one day.
She looks at me in question. “Well? Is it a deal?”
I think for a moment. This might be my only chance. “If I accept your loan, I want to pay interest.”
She smiles. “If that’s what you’d like.”
“Yes, fifty dollars in interest. And I’d like you to make a contract so that I’m legally obligated to pay you back.”
Her dad laughs. He’s a lawyer. “I can accommodate your request. I’ll draft the paperwork after dinner and then we’ll sign it and write you the check.”
Tears spill over my face. “Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you for believing in me. I won’t let you down, no matter what. I promise.”
