“Good! Well, I gotta run.” Lauren walks a few steps away and then turns around. “Do me a favor and don’t listen to Mrs. Mallory. She’s old and needs to retire, and you could easily have her ass fired if you complain about her. She’s not worth you messing up or going away again.” Her voice is a little shaky. “Nothing is.”
I nod, casually, as if I’m completely fine. When Lauren walks away for good, I feel hot tears spilling down my cheeks. I practically run out of the building. I can’t stand the thought of anyone asking me about earlier. Or worse, a teacher asking me what I ate for lunch. As I step outside, I realize I haven’t taken my coat off since Mrs. Mallory’s comment. I’m freezing, even though it’s not that cold out yet.
I get in my car and sit. I clench my keys and don’t start the engine right away.
The parking lot is pretty empty. Everyone is getting out of here as fast they can and going home to enjoy the holiday. I am too. There’s no way I’m waiting around in that stuffy guidance counselor office.
But I know I need to eat. I just don’t want to be alone. I could call Mom. Ask her if I need to get anything on the way home for Thanksgiving. Act as if I’m excited, the way everyone wants me to be. I reach for my cell and start to call, but then I stop when I see her contact photo. It was only taken a year ago, last holiday season, but she looks older now,