Abigail

The bus didn't have any heating system, and the breeze from the jammed window a seat ahead of you made you huddle down in your assigned seat, pulling your jacket as close to your body as you could. Pete sat in the seat across the aisle from you, looking only slightly less miserable. He only has a sweatshirt, and since the bus rules prohibited having hoods up, he slid down out of view of the mirror and pulled up his hoodie to stay warm. Looking out the slightly frosted window, you saw your stop was approaching. You grabbed your backpack off the floor and stood up before the bus could stop, holding onto the back of the seat in front of you to stay stable as you swung your bag over your shoulder. "Bye, Pete. See you tomorrow," you called over your shoulder as you walked down the aisle. The bus driver gave you a dirty look as you walked down the steps, which you ignored. She had never been a fan of you, but you never knew why. The air outside was freezing. You shoved your hands in your pockets as you made your way up the driveway to the two story brick house that you lived in with your grandmother who had raised you since you were little. The front door was unlocked, so you quickly slipped inside, relieved by the warmth that immediately enshrouded you. "Abigail?" You heard your grandma call from the kitchen. "Hey!" You called back, slipping off your shoes on the mat by the front door. You set your backpack down next to them and hung up your jacket, rubbing your hands together to warm them up faster. "I've got some hot cocoa on if you want some!" Grammy called. You checked your phone to see if anything fun had happened while you were at school, but there weren't any notifications, which wasn't surprising. You were sure you would hear from your friend group once they all got settled at home. Putting your phone in your back pocket, you walked down the hallway and went through the door on the right which led to the kitchen. Grammy was standing by the stove, stirring the hot cocoa she was making. "How was school, dear?" Grammy asked. "Oh, you know, same old, same old," you replied, sitting down on one of the barstools at the counter. Grammy raised her eyebrow in her own 'oh, really?' fashion. "Hmm," she said, turning the burner off. There was a moment of silence as she pulled two mugs down from the cabinet and set them on the counter next to the stove. "Abs, dear?" She asked as she dipped a ladle into the hot cocoa. "Yeah, Grammy?" You replied, wondering what was on her mind. Her tone gave away that something was on her mind, good or bad. It meant that she was determined to get an answer regardless, though. "I know we haven't had this talk just yet--" she finished filling up one mug with a muted splat. "But, I know what it's like to be your age. What with everything being so different now and everyone being open and whatnot, I just want to ask. And I'll only ask this once because it's none of my business, but I just want you to know you can tell me things." She finished filling up the second mug and set the ladle down in the pot which was still about half-way filled. She handed you one mug, and you took a sip while not taking your eyes off of her, curious to see where she was going. "Are you gay?" You spluttered on the cocoa already in your mouth, surprised by her directness. "Oh, well, it's just that you've never brought a boy home. And I won't love you any less no matter what your sexuality is--" You laughed as you set the mug down. "Grammy, it's okay," you replied. "You just surprised me is all." There was a moment of silent that was full with words unsaid. [[Yes, I'm gay. -> 2.1]] [[No, I'm straight. -> 2.2]] [[No, I'm bisexual. -> 2.3]] [[I don't know, Grammy. Still figuring it out. -> 2.4]]

"I thought so!" She smiled big, the smile reaching her eyes. You always loved her big smile. She took a sip of her hot cocoa. "So, are you... you know, dating anyone?" You laughed awkwardly. "No, no. Not yet, anyways." "Is there someone you like, though?" She pressed, holding mug with two hands just below her chin. "Sort of..." You replied, grinning sheepishly back. "Do you remember Emma? I had her over for a few playdates when I was younger." "Oh, yeah. I remember her. Sweet little thing," Grammy said. You blushed slightly, trying to hide it by taking another sip out of your mug. "Well, you let me know if anything happens that I should know about," Grammy said, patting your hand where it rested on the counter. "I better get this cleaned up and get started on dinner. You go get started on your homework; I'll call up to you when dinner is ready." You downed the rest of your hot cocoa and set your mug in the sink. "Thank you, Grammy," you said on your way out, not quite sure what specifically you were saying thank you for. All you knew was that you felt incredibly thankful for her. In the hallway, you picked up your backpack and went up the stairs at the back of the house. At the top of the stairs, you had to round the corner on the right to enter the hallway up there. At the end of the hallway, your room was through the door on the left, the bathroom was through the door straight ahead, and the door on the right was the extra bedroom. The stairs were hard for Grammy now, so she had moved to the bedroom downstairs last year. Your bedroom was nicely sized; you had a large bed with a metal bed frame on the middle of the wall to the left. Bedside tables hugged each side of the bed, and a trunk sat at the foot of it. There was a tall dresser to the left of the door and a vanity on the wall straight ahead. The desk sat to the right next to the door to the walk-in closet. You set your backpack down next to your desk and walked over to your bed, where you slumped down and pulled out your phone. You opened up the group chat labeled "broke bitches" in your texts and sent a message that read, 'y'all will never guess what grammy just asked me.' Within seconds, Kyla replied, '??' 'she asked if I'm gay,' you said. 'HOLY SHIT!' Landon sent. Pete sent shortly after that, 'did you tell her?' 'of course I did,' you sent. 'she's not homophobic, bless.' 'it went well, I take it?' Yasmene asked. 'yeah, it did. she asked me who I like haha.' Pete sent the side-eye emoji several times. 'damn girl! glad it went well. did you tell her about Emma?' Jackson sent in the group chat, sending reactions to several of the previous messages. 'I did lol.' 'well now you have to ask her out,' Pete said. 'Seconded,' said Yasmene. 'OH MY GOD guys, chill lol. I'll ask her in time. Maybe.' 'It's always with the maybe' Landon replied. You rolled your eyes, setting your phone to the side and looking at your ceiling, where you had glow-in-the-dark moons and stars that had been there since you were little. Ignoring the several times your phone buzzed, you got up and went to your desk, pulling out the reading that was due tomorrow. You wanted to get some work done so you could watch the new //Criminal Minds// episode later, so you got started right away. After about an hour and a half, you heard Grammy calling up for dinner. You put a bookmark in your book and went downstairs, ignoring your still buzzing phone. When you got downstairs, you found the dinning table was set, and Grammy had a caserole and bread sitting out. She was sitting in her seat, so you took a seat. Once the meal had been blessed, you served both of your plates and dug in. "So, I got a letter today," Grammy said in a serious tone. "I think you should know about it. You don't have to do anything about it now, but it's only fair that you know." "Okay...?" You replied slowly, losing interest in your food in favor of whatever she had to say. "It was from your mother. She said she's moving back into town." There was an awkward silence as you blinked slowly, trying to process what she had said. Your mother was someone that you rarely thought of. When you were younger, it really stung that she did not want to be in your life, but you had come to terms with that after seeing a therapist. Or, at least you thought you had. But the stabbing pain in your chest of betrayal had returned, and you took a sip of your water over the lump in your throat. "Oh?" You finally managed to get out. "Yeah," Grammy said sullenly. "She says that she will keep her distance, but I thought that you should know. And you don't have to make up your mind now, but if you decide you want to see her, she told me where she will be." Grammy must have seen how pale you'd gotten because she patted your hand where it rested on the table and said, "It's okay, you just think on it and take your time. I know that is a lot." [["I don't want to see her," you replied. -> 3.1a]] [["I need some time," you replied. -> 3.1b]]

"Oh. Well I'm sorry for intruding, dear." She took a sip of her hot cocoa. "So, are you... you know, dating anyone? You're welcome to bring anyone home, you know." You laughed awkwardly. "No, no. Not yet, anyways." "Is there someone you like, though?" She pressed, holding mug with two hands just below her chin. "Sort of..." You replied, grinning sheepishly back. "Do you remember me talking about Zach? He's my lab partner in biology." "Oh, I think I remember you mentioning the name," Grammy said. You blushed slightly, trying to hide it by taking another sip out of your mug. "Well, you let me know if anything happens that I should know about," Grammy said, patting your hand where it rested on the counter. "I better get this cleaned up and get started on dinner. You go get started on your homework; I'll call up to you when dinner is ready." You downed the rest of your hot cocoa and set your mug in the sink. "Thank you, Grammy," you said on your way out. In the hallway, you picked up your backpack and went up the stairs at the back of the house. At the top of the stairs, you had to round the corner on the right to enter the hallway up there. At the end of the hallway, your room was through the door on the left, the bathroom was through the door straight ahead, and the door on the right was the extra bedroom. The stairs were hard for Grammy now, so she had moved to the bedroom downstairs last year. Your bedroom was nicely sized; you had a large bed with a metal bed frame on the middle of the wall to the left. Bedside tables hugged each side of the bed, and a trunk sat at the foot of it. There was a tall dresser to the left of the door and a vanity on the wall straight ahead. The desk sat to the right next to the door to the walk-in closet. You set your backpack down next to your desk and walked over to your bed, where you slumped down and pulled out your phone. You opened up the group chat labeled "broke bitches" in your texts and sent a message that read, 'y'all will never guess what grammy just asked me.' Within seconds, Kyla replied, '??' 'she asked if I'm gay,' you said. 'HOLY SHIT!' Landon sent. Pete sent shortly after that, 'oh, I wish.' 'in your dreams, Pete' you sent. 'Pete just doesn't like being one of the few openly gay people in the school,' Yasmene sent. Pete replied, 'it's just boring being one of like 5.' 'hey don't forget about me!' Jackson sent in the group chat, sending reactions to several of the previous messages. 'yeah, but you're bi. which is great and all, but where is my hunk of a gay man?' Pete sent in his typical joking way. 'I'm right here, babe,' Jackson replied, with kissing emojis. You rolled your eyes, setting your phone to the side and looking at your ceiling, where you had glow-in-the-dark moons and stars that had been there since you were little. Ignoring the several times your phone buzzed, you got up and went to your desk, pulling out the reading that was due tomorrow. You wanted to get some work done so you could watch the new //Criminal Minds// episode later, so you got started right away. After about an hour and a half, you heard Grammy calling up for dinner. You put a bookmark in your book and went downstairs, ignoring your still buzzing phone. When you got downstairs, you found the dinning table was set, and Grammy had a caserole and bread sitting out. She was sitting in her seat, so you took a seat. Once the meal had been blessed, you served both of your plates and dug in. "So, I got a letter today," Grammy said in a serious tone. "I think you should know about it. You don't have to do anything about it now, but it's only fair that you know." "Okay...?" You replied slowly, losing interest in your food in favor of whatever she had to say. "It was from your mother. She said she's moving back into town." There was an awkward silence as you blinked slowly, trying to process what she had said. Your mother was someone that you rarely thought of. When you were younger, it really stung that she did not want to be in your life, but you had come to terms with that after seeing a therapist. Or, at least you thought you had. But the stabbing pain in your chest of betrayal had returned, and you took a sip of your water over the lump in your throat. "Oh?" You finally managed to get out. "Yeah," Grammy said sullenly. "She says that she will keep her distance, but I thought that you should know. And you don't have to make up your mind now, but if you decide you want to see her, she told me where she will be." Grammy must have seen how pale you'd gotten because she patted your hand where it rested on the table and said, "It's okay, you just think on it and take your time. I know that is a lot." [["I don't want to see her," you replied. -> 3.2a]] [["I need some time," you replied. -> 3.2b]]

"Oh! Well, I was halfway there, right?" She smiled big as you giggled, the smile reaching her eyes. You always loved her big smile. She took a sip of her hot cocoa. "So, are you... you know, dating anyone?" You laughed awkwardly. "No, no. Not yet, anyways." "Is there someone you like, though?" She pressed, holding mug with two hands just below her chin. "Sort of..." You replied, grinning sheepishly back. "Do you remember Emma? I had her over for a few playdates when I was younger." "Oh, yeah. I remember her. Sweet little thing," Grammy said. You blushed slightly, trying to hide it by taking another sip out of your mug. "Well, you let me know if anything happens that I should know about," Grammy said, patting your hand where it rested on the counter. "I better get this cleaned up and get started on dinner. You go get started on your homework; I'll call up to you when dinner is ready." You downed the rest of your hot cocoa and set your mug in the sink. "Thank you, Grammy," you said on your way out, not quite sure what specifically you were saying thank you for. All you knew was that you felt incredibly thankful for her. In the hallway, you picked up your backpack and went up the stairs at the back of the house. At the top of the stairs, you had to round the corner on the right to enter the hallway up there. At the end of the hallway, your room was through the door on the left, the bathroom was through the door straight ahead, and the door on the right was the extra bedroom. The stairs were hard for Grammy now, so she had moved to the bedroom downstairs last year. Your bedroom was nicely sized; you had a large bed with a metal bed frame on the middle of the wall to the left. Bedside tables hugged each side of the bed, and a trunk sat at the foot of it. There was a tall dresser to the left of the door and a vanity on the wall straight ahead. The desk sat to the right next to the door to the walk-in closet. You set your backpack down next to your desk and walked over to your bed, where you slumped down and pulled out your phone. You opened up the group chat labeled "broke bitches" in your texts and sent a message that read, 'y'all will never guess what grammy just asked me.' Within seconds, Kyla replied, '??' 'she asked if I'm gay,' you said. 'HOLY SHIT!' Landon sent. Pete sent shortly after that, 'did you tell her?' 'of course I did. well, that I'm bi anyways,' you sent. 'she's not homophobic, bless.' 'it went well, I take it?' Yasmene asked. 'yeah, it did. she asked me who I like haha.' Pete sent the side-eye emoji several times. 'damn girl! glad it went well. did you tell her about Emma?' Jackson sent in the group chat, sending reactions to several of the previous messages. 'I did lol.' 'well now you have to ask her out,' Pete said. 'Seconded,' said Yasmene. 'OH MY GOD guys, chill lol. I'll ask her in time. Maybe.' 'It's always with the maybe' Landon replied. You rolled your eyes, setting your phone to the side and looking at your ceiling, where you had glow-in-the-dark moons and stars that had been there since you were little. Ignoring the several times your phone buzzed, you got up and went to your desk, pulling out the reading that was due tomorrow. You wanted to get some work done so you could watch the new //Criminal Minds// episode later, so you got started right away. After about an hour and a half, you heard Grammy calling up for dinner. You put a bookmark in your book and went downstairs, ignoring your still buzzing phone. When you got downstairs, you found the dinning table was set, and Grammy had a caserole and bread sitting out. She was sitting in her seat, so you took a seat. Once the meal had been blessed, you served both of your plates and dug in. "So, I got a letter today," Grammy said in a serious tone. "I think you should know about it. You don't have to do anything about it now, but it's only fair that you know." "Okay...?" You replied slowly, losing interest in your food in favor of whatever she had to say. "It was from your mother. She said she's moving back into town." There was an awkward silence as you blinked slowly, trying to process what she had said. Your mother was someone that you rarely thought of. When you were younger, it really stung that she did not want to be in your life, but you had come to terms with that after seeing a therapist. Or, at least you thought you had. But the stabbing pain in your chest of betrayal had returned, and you took a sip of your water over the lump in your throat. "Oh?" You finally managed to get out. "Yeah," Grammy said sullenly. "She says that she will keep her distance, but I thought that you should know. And you don't have to make up your mind now, but if you decide you want to see her, she told me where she will be." Grammy must have seen how pale you'd gotten because she patted your hand where it rested on the table and said, "It's okay, you just think on it and take your time. I know that is a lot." [["I don't want to see her," you replied. -> 3.3a]] [["I need some time," you replied. -> 3.3b]]

"Well, that's okay. You take your time figuring it out. I'll be here when you're ready to tell me." She smiled big, the smile reaching her eyes. You always loved her big smile. She took a sip of her hot cocoa. "So, are you... you know, dating anyone?" You laughed awkwardly. "No, no. Not yet, anyways." "Is there someone you like, though?" She pressed, holding mug with two hands just below her chin. "Not right now," you replied. "Well, that's alright," Grammy said. "Just let me know if anything happens that I should know about," Grammy said, patting your hand where it rested on the counter. "I better get this cleaned up and get started on dinner. You go get started on your homework; I'll call up to you when dinner is ready." You downed the rest of your hot cocoa and set your mug in the sink. "Thank you, Grammy," you said on your way out, not quite sure what specifically you were saying thank you for. All you knew was that you felt incredibly thankful for her. In the hallway, you picked up your backpack and went up the stairs at the back of the house. At the top of the stairs, you had to round the corner on the right to enter the hallway up there. At the end of the hallway, your room was through the door on the left, the bathroom was through the door straight ahead, and the door on the right was the extra bedroom. The stairs were hard for Grammy now, so she had moved to the bedroom downstairs last year. Your bedroom was nicely sized; you had a large bed with a metal bed frame on the middle of the wall to the left. Bedside tables hugged each side of the bed, and a trunk sat at the foot of it. There was a tall dresser to the left of the door and a vanity on the wall straight ahead. The desk sat to the right next to the door to the walk-in closet. You set your backpack down next to your desk and walked over to your bed, where you slumped down and pulled out your phone. You opened up the group chat labeled "broke bitches" in your texts and sent a message that read, 'y'all will never guess what grammy just asked me.' Within seconds, Kyla replied, '??' 'she asked if I'm gay,' you said. 'HOLY SHIT!' Landon sent. Pete sent shortly after that, 'oh, if only you were.' 'pete, you know I'm still figuring it out,' you sent. 'but she's not homophobic, so bless.' 'we'll be here to support once you do figure it out!' Yasmene said. 'yes, always here to support,' Jackson sent in the group chat, sending reactions to several of the previous messages. 'I just hope you love women as much as I do LOL. Jk, take your time figuring it out girlie.' You rolled your eyes, setting your phone to the side and looking at your ceiling, where you had glow-in-the-dark moons and stars that had been there since you were little. Ignoring the several times your phone buzzed, you got up and went to your desk, pulling out the reading that was due tomorrow. You wanted to get some work done so you could watch the new //Criminal Minds// episode later, so you got started right away. After about an hour and a half, you heard Grammy calling up for dinner. You put a bookmark in your book and went downstairs, ignoring your still buzzing phone. When you got downstairs, you found the dinning table was set, and Grammy had a caserole and bread sitting out. She was sitting in her seat, so you took a seat. Once the meal had been blessed, you served both of your plates and dug in. "So, I got a letter today," Grammy said in a serious tone. "I think you should know about it. You don't have to do anything about it now, but it's only fair that you know." "Okay...?" You replied slowly, losing interest in your food in favor of whatever she had to say. "It was from your mother. She said she's moving back into town." There was an awkward silence as you blinked slowly, trying to process what she had said. Your mother was someone that you rarely thought of. When you were younger, it really stung that she did not want to be in your life, but you had come to terms with that after seeing a therapist. Or, at least you thought you had. But the stabbing pain in your chest of betrayal had returned, and you took a sip of your water over the lump in your throat. "Oh?" You finally managed to get out. "Yeah," Grammy said sullenly. "She says that she will keep her distance, but I thought that you should know. And you don't have to make up your mind now, but if you decide you want to see her, she told me where she will be." Grammy must have seen how pale you'd gotten because she patted your hand where it rested on the table and said, "It's okay, you just think on it and take your time. I know that is a lot." [["I don't want to see her," you replied. -> 3.4a]] [["I need some time," you replied. -> 3.4b]]

Grammy nodded. "Very well," she replied. The lump in your throat and your burning eyes made you feel overwhelmed, so you decided to change the topic. "Don't forget I'm going to the Women's March this weekend." You took a bite of the casserole. Grammy nodded. "Who are you going with again?" "Yasmene's mom is driving us. Pete and Kyla are coming, too." Grammy smiled at you fondly. "As long as you're safe," she said. You smiled in return. There was a pause, the only sound being Grammy's fork scraping across her plate. "You know, you're just as passionate as your mom was when she was younger." Your face fell. "Not that we'd know if she still is," you muttered, looking down at your plate. Grammy didn't reply. Dinner wrapped up after some awkward quietness. You helped clean up and went upstairs. - You shuffled through the t-shirt drawer. "Dammit, where did it go?" You glanced at your clock. 5:25. Yasmene was going to be here any minute. With a sigh, you looked through your shirts one more time, unsuccessful. Then, it hit you. You got on the floor and reached under your bed for your memories box. Opening it, you found the Women's March shirt from last year sitting at the top. Smiling, you pulled it out and tossed it on top of your bag. You tucked the box away, slipped the shirt in your bag, and double checked you had everything. As you turned your light off and slipped into the pitch black hall, your phone lit up. "Here!" read the text from Yasmene. You quietly slipped down the stairs, wincing as the last stair squeaked. You were surprised the kitchen light was on and went in to check. Grammy was standing in the doorway, a to go cup of coffee in her hand. "I wanted to send you off," she said. "Here, I made you some coffee for the ride." "Aw, Grammy." You took the cup from her and gave her a side hug. "Thank you! Yasmene is here so I have to go, but I love you." She gave you a kiss on your cheek, then walked you to the front door. "Be safe. Watch out for those crazies in D.C. It's a different world, you know." "I know, Grammy. I'll call you when we get there." She nodded, opening the door for you. Yasmene's mom's car was sitting in the driveway. You walked towards the car, sending Grammy a wave over your shoulder. She blew you a kiss in return, as if to wish you good luck on your journey. "Goodbye! Love you!" she called. - The next week, after returning from a phenomenal trip, you had to spend your evenings catching up on homework you had delayed for the march. There was a math test coming up later that week, and Lord knew you needed some practice. You had scheduled out every day with intensive amounts of topics to review. You had practically shut yourself up in your room for studying. You set a timer for work and would give yourself short break intervals where you would scroll social media or text your friends. On one of these breaks, you sat at your desk scrolling through your Tumblr feed when a text came through from Pete. "Luis broke up with me :(" You sat back in your chair with a frown. Luis and Pete had been together for over six months. Pete was obsessed with him. Practically every Insta post he had involved Luis. You knew that he had to be devastated. You checked your timer--you still had 7 minutes of your break left, so you opened Pete's contact and pressed 'Call.' He answered after one ring. You could tell from his voice that he had been crying for a while. "H-hello?" He said, clearly choked up. "Oh, hun," you said sympathetically. "I'm so sorry. Do you want to talk about it?" He sniffled, and there was a pause. "Do you think you could come over? I could really use some support right now." [["Of course. Just give me a few minutes. -> 4.1a]] [["I wish I could, but I really need to study for this math test. I'm so behind." -> 4.1aa]]

Grammy nodded. "Very well," she replied. The lump in your throat and your burning eyes made you feel overwhelmed, so you decided to change the topic. "Don't forget I'm going to the Women's March this weekend." You took a bite of the casserole. Grammy nodded. "Who are you going with again?" "Yasmene's mom is driving us. Pete and Kyla are coming, too." Grammy smiled at you fondly. "As long as you're safe," she said. You smiled in return. There was a pause, the only sound being Grammy's fork scraping across her plate. "You know, you're just as passionate as your mom was when she was younger." Your face fell. "Not that we'd know if she still is," you muttered, looking down at your plate. Grammy didn't reply. Dinner wrapped up after some awkward quietness. You helped clean up and went upstairs. - You shuffled through the t-shirt drawer. "Dammit, where did it go?" You glanced at your clock. 5:25. Yasmene was going to be here any minute. With a sigh, you looked through your shirts one more time, unsuccessful. Then, it hit you. You got on the floor and reached under your bed for your memories box. Opening it, you found the Women's March shirt from last year sitting at the top. Smiling, you pulled it out and tossed it on top of your bag. You tucked the box away, slipped the shirt in your bag, and double checked you had everything. As you turned your light off and slipped into the pitch black hall, your phone lit up. "Here!" read the text from Yasmene. You quietly slipped down the stairs, wincing as the last stair squeaked. You were surprised the kitchen light was on and went in to check. Grammy was standing in the doorway, a to go cup of coffee in her hand. "I wanted to send you off," she said. "Here, I made you some coffee for the ride." "Aw, Grammy." You took the cup from her and gave her a side hug. "Thank you! Yasmene is here so I have to go, but I love you." She gave you a kiss on your cheek, then walked you to the front door. "Be safe. Watch out for those crazies in D.C. It's a different world, you know." "I know, Grammy. I'll call you when we get there." She nodded, opening the door for you. Yasmene's mom's car was sitting in the driveway. You walked towards the car, sending Grammy a wave over your shoulder. She blew you a kiss in return, as if to wish you good luck on your journey. "Goodbye! Love you!" she called. - The next week, after returning from a phenomenal trip, you had to spend your evenings catching up on homework you had delayed for the march. There was a math test coming up later that week, and Lord knew you needed some practice. You had scheduled out every day with intensive amounts of topics to review. You had practically shut yourself up in your room for studying. You set a timer for work and would give yourself short break intervals where you would scroll social media or text your friends. On one of these breaks, you sat at your desk scrolling through your Tumblr feed when a text came through from Pete. "Luis broke up with me :(" You sat back in your chair with a frown. Luis and Pete had been together for over six months. Pete was obsessed with him. Practically every Insta post he had involved Luis. You knew that he had to be devastated. You checked your timer--you still had 7 minutes of your break left, so you opened Pete's contact and pressed 'Call.' He answered after one ring. You could tell from his voice that he had been crying for a while. "H-hello?" He said, clearly choked up. "Oh, hun," you said sympathetically. "I'm so sorry. Do you want to talk about it?" He sniffled, and there was a pause. "Do you think you could come over? I could really use some support right now." [["Of course. Just give me a few minutes. -> 4.1b]] [["I wish I could, but I really need to study for this math test. I'm so behind." -> 4.1bb]]

Grammy nodded. "Very well," she replied. The lump in your throat and your burning eyes made you feel overwhelmed, so you decided to change the topic. "Don't forget I'm going to the Women's March this weekend." You took a bite of the casserole. Grammy nodded. "Who are you going with again?" "Yasmene's mom is driving us. Pete and Kyla are coming, too." Grammy smiled at you fondly. "As long as you're safe," she said. You smiled in return. There was a pause, the only sound being Grammy's fork scraping across her plate. "You know, you're just as passionate as your mom was when she was younger." Your face fell. "Not that we'd know if she still is," you muttered, looking down at your plate. Grammy didn't reply. Dinner wrapped up after some awkward quietness. You helped clean up and went upstairs. - You shuffled through the t-shirt drawer. "Dammit, where did it go?" You glanced at your clock. 5:25. Yasmene was going to be here any minute. With a sigh, you looked through your shirts one more time, unsuccessful. Then, it hit you. You got on the floor and reached under your bed for your memories box. Opening it, you found the Women's March shirt from last year sitting at the top. Smiling, you pulled it out and tossed it on top of your bag. You tucked the box away, slipped the shirt in your bag, and double checked you had everything. As you turned your light off and slipped into the pitch black hall, your phone lit up. "Here!" read the text from Yasmene. You quietly slipped down the stairs, wincing as the last stair squeaked. You were surprised the kitchen light was on and went in to check. Grammy was standing in the doorway, a to go cup of coffee in her hand. "I wanted to send you off," she said. "Here, I made you some coffee for the ride." "Aw, Grammy." You took the cup from her and gave her a side hug. "Thank you! Yasmene is here so I have to go, but I love you." She gave you a kiss on your cheek, then walked you to the front door. "Be safe. Watch out for those crazies in D.C. It's a different world, you know." "I know, Grammy. I'll call you when we get there." She nodded, opening the door for you. Yasmene's mom's car was sitting in the driveway. You walked towards the car, sending Grammy a wave over your shoulder. She blew you a kiss in return, as if to wish you good luck on your journey. "Goodbye! Love you!" she called. - The next week, after returning from a phenomenal trip, you had to spend your evenings catching up on homework you had delayed for the march. There was a math test coming up later that week, and Lord knew you needed some practice. You had scheduled out every day with intensive amounts of topics to review. You had practically shut yourself up in your room for studying. You set a timer for work and would give yourself short break intervals where you would scroll social media or text your friends. On one of these breaks, you sat at your desk scrolling through your Tumblr feed when a text came through from Pete. "Luis broke up with me :(" You sat back in your chair with a frown. Luis and Pete had been together for over six months. Pete was obsessed with him. Practically every Insta post he had involved Luis. You knew that he had to be devastated. You checked your timer--you still had 7 minutes of your break left, so you opened Pete's contact and pressed 'Call.' He answered after one ring. You could tell from his voice that he had been crying for a while. "H-hello?" He said, clearly choked up. "Oh, hun," you said sympathetically. "I'm so sorry. Do you want to talk about it?" He sniffled, and there was a pause. "Do you think you could come over? I could really use some support right now." [["Of course. Just give me a few minutes. -> 4.2a]] [["I wish I could, but I really need to study for this math test. I'm so behind." -> 4.2aa]]

Grammy nodded. "Very well," she replied. The lump in your throat and your burning eyes made you feel overwhelmed, so you decided to change the topic. "Don't forget I'm going to the Women's March this weekend." You took a bite of the casserole. Grammy nodded. "Who are you going with again?" "Yasmene's mom is driving us. Pete and Kyla are coming, too." Grammy smiled at you fondly. "As long as you're safe," she said. You smiled in return. There was a pause, the only sound being Grammy's fork scraping across her plate. "You know, you're just as passionate as your mom was when she was younger." Your face fell. "Not that we'd know if she still is," you muttered, looking down at your plate. Grammy didn't reply. Dinner wrapped up after some awkward quietness. You helped clean up and went upstairs. - You shuffled through the t-shirt drawer. "Dammit, where did it go?" You glanced at your clock. 5:25. Yasmene was going to be here any minute. With a sigh, you looked through your shirts one more time, unsuccessful. Then, it hit you. You got on the floor and reached under your bed for your memories box. Opening it, you found the Women's March shirt from last year sitting at the top. Smiling, you pulled it out and tossed it on top of your bag. You tucked the box away, slipped the shirt in your bag, and double checked you had everything. As you turned your light off and slipped into the pitch black hall, your phone lit up. "Here!" read the text from Yasmene. You quietly slipped down the stairs, wincing as the last stair squeaked. You were surprised the kitchen light was on and went in to check. Grammy was standing in the doorway, a to go cup of coffee in her hand. "I wanted to send you off," she said. "Here, I made you some coffee for the ride." "Aw, Grammy." You took the cup from her and gave her a side hug. "Thank you! Yasmene is here so I have to go, but I love you." She gave you a kiss on your cheek, then walked you to the front door. "Be safe. Watch out for those crazies in D.C. It's a different world, you know." "I know, Grammy. I'll call you when we get there." She nodded, opening the door for you. Yasmene's mom's car was sitting in the driveway. You walked towards the car, sending Grammy a wave over your shoulder. She blew you a kiss in return, as if to wish you good luck on your journey. "Goodbye! Love you!" she called. - The next week, after returning from a phenomenal trip, you had to spend your evenings catching up on homework you had delayed for the march. There was a math test coming up later that week, and Lord knew you needed some practice. You had scheduled out every day with intensive amounts of topics to review. You had practically shut yourself up in your room for studying. You set a timer for work and would give yourself short break intervals where you would scroll social media or text your friends. On one of these breaks, you sat at your desk scrolling through your Tumblr feed when a text came through from Pete. "Luis broke up with me :(" You sat back in your chair with a frown. Luis and Pete had been together for over six months. Pete was obsessed with him. Practically every Insta post he had involved Luis. You knew that he had to be devastated. You checked your timer--you still had 7 minutes of your break left, so you opened Pete's contact and pressed 'Call.' He answered after one ring. You could tell from his voice that he had been crying for a while. "H-hello?" He said, clearly choked up. "Oh, hun," you said sympathetically. "I'm so sorry. Do you want to talk about it?" He sniffled, and there was a pause. "Do you think you could come over? I could really use some support right now." [["Of course. Just give me a few minutes. -> 4.2b]] [["I wish I could, but I really need to study for this math test. I'm so behind." -> 4.2bb]]

Grammy nodded. "Very well," she replied. The lump in your throat and your burning eyes made you feel overwhelmed, so you decided to change the topic. "Don't forget I'm going to the Women's March this weekend." You took a bite of the casserole. Grammy nodded. "Who are you going with again?" "Yasmene's mom is driving us. Pete and Kyla are coming, too." Grammy smiled at you fondly. "As long as you're safe," she said. You smiled in return. There was a pause, the only sound being Grammy's fork scraping across her plate. "You know, you're just as passionate as your mom was when she was younger." Your face fell. "Not that we'd know if she still is," you muttered, looking down at your plate. Grammy didn't reply. Dinner wrapped up after some awkward quietness. You helped clean up and went upstairs. - You shuffled through the t-shirt drawer. "Dammit, where did it go?" You glanced at your clock. 5:25. Yasmene was going to be here any minute. With a sigh, you looked through your shirts one more time, unsuccessful. Then, it hit you. You got on the floor and reached under your bed for your memories box. Opening it, you found the Women's March shirt from last year sitting at the top. Smiling, you pulled it out and tossed it on top of your bag. You tucked the box away, slipped the shirt in your bag, and double checked you had everything. As you turned your light off and slipped into the pitch black hall, your phone lit up. "Here!" read the text from Yasmene. You quietly slipped down the stairs, wincing as the last stair squeaked. You were surprised the kitchen light was on and went in to check. Grammy was standing in the doorway, a to go cup of coffee in her hand. "I wanted to send you off," she said. "Here, I made you some coffee for the ride." "Aw, Grammy." You took the cup from her and gave her a side hug. "Thank you! Yasmene is here so I have to go, but I love you." She gave you a kiss on your cheek, then walked you to the front door. "Be safe. Watch out for those crazies in D.C. It's a different world, you know." "I know, Grammy. I'll call you when we get there." She nodded, opening the door for you. Yasmene's mom's car was sitting in the driveway. You walked towards the car, sending Grammy a wave over your shoulder. She blew you a kiss in return, as if to wish you good luck on your journey. "Goodbye! Love you!" she called. - The next week, after returning from a phenomenal trip, you had to spend your evenings catching up on homework you had delayed for the march. There was a math test coming up later that week, and Lord knew you needed some practice. You had scheduled out every day with intensive amounts of topics to review. You had practically shut yourself up in your room for studying. You set a timer for work and would give yourself short break intervals where you would scroll social media or text your friends. On one of these breaks, you sat at your desk scrolling through your Tumblr feed when a text came through from Pete. "Luis broke up with me :(" You sat back in your chair with a frown. Luis and Pete had been together for over six months. Pete was obsessed with him. Practically every Insta post he had involved Luis. You knew that he had to be devastated. You checked your timer--you still had 7 minutes of your break left, so you opened Pete's contact and pressed 'Call.' He answered after one ring. You could tell from his voice that he had been crying for a while. "H-hello?" He said, clearly choked up. "Oh, hun," you said sympathetically. "I'm so sorry. Do you want to talk about it?" He sniffled, and there was a pause. "Do you think you could come over? I could really use some support right now." [["Of course. Just give me a few minutes. -> 4.3a]] [["I wish I could, but I really need to study for this math test. I'm so behind." -> 4.3aa]]

Grammy nodded. "Very well," she replied. The lump in your throat and your burning eyes made you feel overwhelmed, so you decided to change the topic. "Don't forget I'm going to the Women's March this weekend." You took a bite of the casserole. Grammy nodded. "Who are you going with again?" "Yasmene's mom is driving us. Pete and Kyla are coming, too." Grammy smiled at you fondly. "As long as you're safe," she said. You smiled in return. There was a pause, the only sound being Grammy's fork scraping across her plate. "You know, you're just as passionate as your mom was when she was younger." Your face fell. "Not that we'd know if she still is," you muttered, looking down at your plate. Grammy didn't reply. Dinner wrapped up after some awkward quietness. You helped clean up and went upstairs. - You shuffled through the t-shirt drawer. "Dammit, where did it go?" You glanced at your clock. 5:25. Yasmene was going to be here any minute. With a sigh, you looked through your shirts one more time, unsuccessful. Then, it hit you. You got on the floor and reached under your bed for your memories box. Opening it, you found the Women's March shirt from last year sitting at the top. Smiling, you pulled it out and tossed it on top of your bag. You tucked the box away, slipped the shirt in your bag, and double checked you had everything. As you turned your light off and slipped into the pitch black hall, your phone lit up. "Here!" read the text from Yasmene. You quietly slipped down the stairs, wincing as the last stair squeaked. You were surprised the kitchen light was on and went in to check. Grammy was standing in the doorway, a to go cup of coffee in her hand. "I wanted to send you off," she said. "Here, I made you some coffee for the ride." "Aw, Grammy." You took the cup from her and gave her a side hug. "Thank you! Yasmene is here so I have to go, but I love you." She gave you a kiss on your cheek, then walked you to the front door. "Be safe. Watch out for those crazies in D.C. It's a different world, you know." "I know, Grammy. I'll call you when we get there." She nodded, opening the door for you. Yasmene's mom's car was sitting in the driveway. You walked towards the car, sending Grammy a wave over your shoulder. She blew you a kiss in return, as if to wish you good luck on your journey. "Goodbye! Love you!" she called. - The next week, after returning from a phenomenal trip, you had to spend your evenings catching up on homework you had delayed for the march. There was a math test coming up later that week, and Lord knew you needed some practice. You had scheduled out every day with intensive amounts of topics to review. You had practically shut yourself up in your room for studying. You set a timer for work and would give yourself short break intervals where you would scroll social media or text your friends. On one of these breaks, you sat at your desk scrolling through your Tumblr feed when a text came through from Pete. "Luis broke up with me :(" You sat back in your chair with a frown. Luis and Pete had been together for over six months. Pete was obsessed with him. Practically every Insta post he had involved Luis. You knew that he had to be devastated. You checked your timer--you still had 7 minutes of your break left, so you opened Pete's contact and pressed 'Call.' He answered after one ring. You could tell from his voice that he had been crying for a while. "H-hello?" He said, clearly choked up. "Oh, hun," you said sympathetically. "I'm so sorry. Do you want to talk about it?" He sniffled, and there was a pause. "Do you think you could come over? I could really use some support right now." [["Of course. Just give me a few minutes. -> 4.3b]] [["I wish I could, but I really need to study for this math test. I'm so behind." -> 4.3bb]]

Grammy nodded. "Very well," she replied. The lump in your throat and your burning eyes made you feel overwhelmed, so you decided to change the topic. "Don't forget I'm going to the Women's March this weekend." You took a bite of the casserole. Grammy nodded. "Who are you going with again?" "Yasmene's mom is driving us. Pete and Kyla are coming, too." Grammy smiled at you fondly. "As long as you're safe," she said. You smiled in return. There was a pause, the only sound being Grammy's fork scraping across her plate. "You know, you're just as passionate as your mom was when she was younger." Your face fell. "Not that we'd know if she still is," you muttered, looking down at your plate. Grammy didn't reply. Dinner wrapped up after some awkward quietness. You helped clean up and went upstairs. - You shuffled through the t-shirt drawer. "Dammit, where did it go?" You glanced at your clock. 5:25. Yasmene was going to be here any minute. With a sigh, you looked through your shirts one more time, unsuccessful. Then, it hit you. You got on the floor and reached under your bed for your memories box. Opening it, you found the Women's March shirt from last year sitting at the top. Smiling, you pulled it out and tossed it on top of your bag. You tucked the box away, slipped the shirt in your bag, and double checked you had everything. As you turned your light off and slipped into the pitch black hall, your phone lit up. "Here!" read the text from Yasmene. You quietly slipped down the stairs, wincing as the last stair squeaked. You were surprised the kitchen light was on and went in to check. Grammy was standing in the doorway, a to go cup of coffee in her hand. "I wanted to send you off," she said. "Here, I made you some coffee for the ride." "Aw, Grammy." You took the cup from her and gave her a side hug. "Thank you! Yasmene is here so I have to go, but I love you." She gave you a kiss on your cheek, then walked you to the front door. "Be safe. Watch out for those crazies in D.C. It's a different world, you know." "I know, Grammy. I'll call you when we get there." She nodded, opening the door for you. Yasmene's mom's car was sitting in the driveway. You walked towards the car, sending Grammy a wave over your shoulder. She blew you a kiss in return, as if to wish you good luck on your journey. "Goodbye! Love you!" she called. - The next week, after returning from a phenomenal trip, you had to spend your evenings catching up on homework you had delayed for the march. There was a math test coming up later that week, and Lord knew you needed some practice. You had scheduled out every day with intensive amounts of topics to review. You had practically shut yourself up in your room for studying. You set a timer for work and would give yourself short break intervals where you would scroll social media or text your friends. On one of these breaks, you sat at your desk scrolling through your Tumblr feed when a text came through from Pete. "Luis broke up with me :(" You sat back in your chair with a frown. Luis and Pete had been together for over six months. Pete was obsessed with him. Practically every Insta post he had involved Luis. You knew that he had to be devastated. You checked your timer--you still had 7 minutes of your break left, so you opened Pete's contact and pressed 'Call.' He answered after one ring. You could tell from his voice that he had been crying for a while. "H-hello?" He said, clearly choked up. "Oh, hun," you said sympathetically. "I'm so sorry. Do you want to talk about it?" He sniffled, and there was a pause. "Do you think you could come over? I could really use some support right now." [["Of course. Just give me a few minutes. -> 4.4a]] [["I wish I could, but I really need to study for this math test. I'm so behind." -> 4.4aa]]

Grammy nodded. "Very well," she replied. The lump in your throat and your burning eyes made you feel overwhelmed, so you decided to change the topic. "Don't forget I'm going to the Women's March this weekend." You took a bite of the casserole. Grammy nodded. "Who are you going with again?" "Yasmene's mom is driving us. Pete and Kyla are coming, too." Grammy smiled at you fondly. "As long as you're safe," she said. You smiled in return. There was a pause, the only sound being Grammy's fork scraping across her plate. "You know, you're just as passionate as your mom was when she was younger." Your face fell. "Not that we'd know if she still is," you muttered, looking down at your plate. Grammy didn't reply. Dinner wrapped up after some awkward quietness. You helped clean up and went upstairs. - You shuffled through the t-shirt drawer. "Dammit, where did it go?" You glanced at your clock. 5:25. Yasmene was going to be here any minute. With a sigh, you looked through your shirts one more time, unsuccessful. Then, it hit you. You got on the floor and reached under your bed for your memories box. Opening it, you found the Women's March shirt from last year sitting at the top. Smiling, you pulled it out and tossed it on top of your bag. You tucked the box away, slipped the shirt in your bag, and double checked you had everything. As you turned your light off and slipped into the pitch black hall, your phone lit up. "Here!" read the text from Yasmene. You quietly slipped down the stairs, wincing as the last stair squeaked. You were surprised the kitchen light was on and went in to check. Grammy was standing in the doorway, a to go cup of coffee in her hand. "I wanted to send you off," she said. "Here, I made you some coffee for the ride." "Aw, Grammy." You took the cup from her and gave her a side hug. "Thank you! Yasmene is here so I have to go, but I love you." She gave you a kiss on your cheek, then walked you to the front door. "Be safe. Watch out for those crazies in D.C. It's a different world, you know." "I know, Grammy. I'll call you when we get there." She nodded, opening the door for you. Yasmene's mom's car was sitting in the driveway. You walked towards the car, sending Grammy a wave over your shoulder. She blew you a kiss in return, as if to wish you good luck on your journey. "Goodbye! Love you!" she called. - The next week, after returning from a phenomenal trip, you had to spend your evenings catching up on homework you had delayed for the march. There was a math test coming up later that week, and Lord knew you needed some practice. You had scheduled out every day with intensive amounts of topics to review. You had practically shut yourself up in your room for studying. You set a timer for work and would give yourself short break intervals where you would scroll social media or text your friends. On one of these breaks, you sat at your desk scrolling through your Tumblr feed when a text came through from Pete. "Luis broke up with me :(" You sat back in your chair with a frown. Luis and Pete had been together for over six months. Pete was obsessed with him. Practically every Insta post he had involved Luis. You knew that he had to be devastated. You checked your timer--you still had 7 minutes of your break left, so you opened Pete's contact and pressed 'Call.' He answered after one ring. You could tell from his voice that he had been crying for a while. "H-hello?" He said, clearly choked up. "Oh, hun," you said sympathetically. "I'm so sorry. Do you want to talk about it?" He sniffled, and there was a pause. "Do you think you could come over? I could really use some support right now." [["Of course. Just give me a few minutes. -> 4.4b]] [["I wish I could, but I really need to study for this math test. I'm so behind." -> 4.4bb]]

You wrapped up the phone call, gave your math notes a look, and put on your shoes. As you left your room, you called out to see where Grammy was. You heard her voice float up the stairs, so you took two steps at a time to go down and see her. "What's up, sweetheart?" She said from her seat in front of the seat in the living room. "Pete is going through a breakup. Can I borrow your car to go visit him?" As you asked this, you grabbed your jacket from the hallway and put it on. "Make sure you're home before midnight," Grammy said. You went over and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, Grammy! Will do!" You rushed towards the door, smiling as you heard Grammy's voice calling out behind you. "Be safe! Watch out for crazy drivers." - Later that night, you pulled into the driveway at 11:55. You had stayed with Pete as long as you could, comforting him with ice cream and his favorite movie. You parked the car, checking your phone to see if Pete had texted you. There wasn't a message from Pete, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone in your bag, deciding not to reply. -> 5.1a]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.1b]]

"Oh, okay," he sniffed. "But, listen, we'll do something fun this weekend once I get past this test. How does that sound?" You replied. "That sounds great." His voice was low, but you knew you really had to focus on this test to get a good grade. The phone call wrapped up. You sent Jackson a text, telling him to check in on Pete. Your timer went off, telling you to get back to work, so you did just that. - A few hours passed, and you were making good progress. You were taking your last break before getting ready for bed. You checked your phone to see if Pete or Jackson had texted you. There wasn't a message from either, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone on its charger, deciding not to reply. -> 5.1aa]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.1bb]]

You wrapped up the phone call, gave your math notes a look, and put on your shoes. As you left your room, you called out to see where Grammy was. You heard her voice float up the stairs, so you took two steps at a time to go down and see her. "What's up, sweetheart?" She said from her seat in front of the seat in the living room. "Pete is going through a breakup. Can I borrow your car to go visit him?" As you asked this, you grabbed your jacket from the hallway and put it on. "Make sure you're home before midnight," Grammy said. You went over and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, Grammy! Will do!" You rushed towards the door, smiling as you heard Grammy's voice calling out behind you. "Be safe! Watch out for crazy drivers." - Later that night, you pulled into the driveway at 11:55. You had stayed with Pete as long as you could, comforting him with ice cream and his favorite movie. You parked the car, checking your phone to see if Pete had texted you. There wasn't a message from Pete, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone in your bag, deciding not to reply. -> 5.2a]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.2b]]

"Oh, okay," he sniffed. "But, listen, we'll do something fun this weekend once I get past this test. How does that sound?" You replied. "That sounds great." His voice was low, but you knew you really had to focus on this test to get a good grade. The phone call wrapped up. You sent Jackson a text, telling him to check in on Pete. Your timer went off, telling you to get back to work, so you did just that. - A few hours passed, and you were making good progress. You were taking your last break before getting ready for bed. You checked your phone to see if Pete or Jackson had texted you. There wasn't a message from either, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone on its charger, deciding not to reply. -> 5.2aa]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.2bb]]

You wrapped up the phone call, gave your math notes a look, and put on your shoes. As you left your room, you called out to see where Grammy was. You heard her voice float up the stairs, so you took two steps at a time to go down and see her. "What's up, sweetheart?" She said from her seat in front of the seat in the living room. "Pete is going through a breakup. Can I borrow your car to go visit him?" As you asked this, you grabbed your jacket from the hallway and put it on. "Make sure you're home before midnight," Grammy said. You went over and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, Grammy! Will do!" You rushed towards the door, smiling as you heard Grammy's voice calling out behind you. "Be safe! Watch out for crazy drivers." - Later that night, you pulled into the driveway at 11:55. You had stayed with Pete as long as you could, comforting him with ice cream and his favorite movie. You parked the car, checking your phone to see if Pete had texted you. There wasn't a message from Pete, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone in your bag, deciding not to reply. -> 5.3a]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.3b]]

"Oh, okay," he sniffed. "But, listen, we'll do something fun this weekend once I get past this test. How does that sound?" You replied. "That sounds great." His voice was low, but you knew you really had to focus on this test to get a good grade. The phone call wrapped up. You sent Jackson a text, telling him to check in on Pete. Your timer went off, telling you to get back to work, so you did just that. - A few hours passed, and you were making good progress. You were taking your last break before getting ready for bed. You checked your phone to see if Pete or Jackson had texted you. There wasn't a message from either, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone on its charger, deciding not to reply. -> 5.3aa]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.3bb]]

You wrapped up the phone call, gave your math notes a look, and put on your shoes. As you left your room, you called out to see where Grammy was. You heard her voice float up the stairs, so you took two steps at a time to go down and see her. "What's up, sweetheart?" She said from her seat in front of the seat in the living room. "Pete is going through a breakup. Can I borrow your car to go visit him?" As you asked this, you grabbed your jacket from the hallway and put it on. "Make sure you're home before midnight," Grammy said. You went over and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, Grammy! Will do!" You rushed towards the door, smiling as you heard Grammy's voice calling out behind you. "Be safe! Watch out for crazy drivers." - Later that night, you pulled into the driveway at 11:55. You had stayed with Pete as long as you could, comforting him with ice cream and his favorite movie. You parked the car, checking your phone to see if Pete had texted you. There wasn't a message from Pete, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone in your bag, deciding not to reply. -> 5.4a]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.4b]]

"Oh, okay," he sniffed. "But, listen, we'll do something fun this weekend once I get past this test. How does that sound?" You replied. "That sounds great." His voice was low, but you knew you really had to focus on this test to get a good grade. The phone call wrapped up. You sent Jackson a text, telling him to check in on Pete. Your timer went off, telling you to get back to work, so you did just that. - A few hours passed, and you were making good progress. You were taking your last break before getting ready for bed. You checked your phone to see if Pete or Jackson had texted you. There wasn't a message from either, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone on its charger, deciding not to reply. -> 5.4aa]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.4bb]]

You wrapped up the phone call, gave your math notes a look, and put on your shoes. As you left your room, you called out to see where Grammy was. You heard her voice float up the stairs, so you took two steps at a time to go down and see her. "What's up, sweetheart?" She said from her seat in front of the seat in the living room. "Pete is going through a breakup. Can I borrow your car to go visit him?" As you asked this, you grabbed your jacket from the hallway and put it on. "Make sure you're home before midnight," Grammy said. You went over and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, Grammy! Will do!" You rushed towards the door, smiling as you heard Grammy's voice calling out behind you. "Be safe! Watch out for crazy drivers." - Later that night, you pulled into the driveway at 11:55. You had stayed with Pete as long as you could, comforting him with ice cream and his favorite movie. You parked the car, checking your phone to see if Pete had texted you. There wasn't a message from Pete, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone in your bag, deciding not to reply. -> 5.2a]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.2b]]

"Oh, okay," he sniffed. "But, listen, we'll do something fun this weekend once I get past this test. How does that sound?" You replied. "That sounds great." His voice was low, but you knew you really had to focus on this test to get a good grade. The phone call wrapped up. You sent Jackson a text, telling him to check in on Pete. Your timer went off, telling you to get back to work, so you did just that. - A few hours passed, and you were making good progress. You were taking your last break before getting ready for bed. You checked your phone to see if Pete or Jackson had texted you. There wasn't a message from either, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone on its charger, deciding not to reply. -> 5.2aa]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.2bb]]

You wrapped up the phone call, gave your math notes a look, and put on your shoes. As you left your room, you called out to see where Grammy was. You heard her voice float up the stairs, so you took two steps at a time to go down and see her. "What's up, sweetheart?" She said from her seat in front of the seat in the living room. "Pete is going through a breakup. Can I borrow your car to go visit him?" As you asked this, you grabbed your jacket from the hallway and put it on. "Make sure you're home before midnight," Grammy said. You went over and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, Grammy! Will do!" You rushed towards the door, smiling as you heard Grammy's voice calling out behind you. "Be safe! Watch out for crazy drivers." - Later that night, you pulled into the driveway at 11:55. You had stayed with Pete as long as you could, comforting him with ice cream and his favorite movie. You parked the car, checking your phone to see if Pete had texted you. There wasn't a message from Pete, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone in your bag, deciding not to reply. -> 5.3a]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.3b]]

"Oh, okay," he sniffed. "But, listen, we'll do something fun this weekend once I get past this test. How does that sound?" You replied. "That sounds great." His voice was low, but you knew you really had to focus on this test to get a good grade. The phone call wrapped up. You sent Jackson a text, telling him to check in on Pete. Your timer went off, telling you to get back to work, so you did just that. - A few hours passed, and you were making good progress. You were taking your last break before getting ready for bed. You checked your phone to see if Pete or Jackson had texted you. There wasn't a message from either, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone on its charger, deciding not to reply. -> 5.3aa]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.3bb]]

You wrapped up the phone call, gave your math notes a look, and put on your shoes. As you left your room, you called out to see where Grammy was. You heard her voice float up the stairs, so you took two steps at a time to go down and see her. "What's up, sweetheart?" She said from her seat in front of the seat in the living room. "Pete is going through a breakup. Can I borrow your car to go visit him?" As you asked this, you grabbed your jacket from the hallway and put it on. "Make sure you're home before midnight," Grammy said. You went over and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, Grammy! Will do!" You rushed towards the door, smiling as you heard Grammy's voice calling out behind you. "Be safe! Watch out for crazy drivers." - Later that night, you pulled into the driveway at 11:55. You had stayed with Pete as long as you could, comforting him with ice cream and his favorite movie. You parked the car, checking your phone to see if Pete had texted you. There wasn't a message from Pete, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone in your bag, deciding not to reply. -> 5.4a]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.4b]]

"Oh, okay," he sniffed. "But, listen, we'll do something fun this weekend once I get past this test. How does that sound?" You replied. "That sounds great." His voice was low, but you knew you really had to focus on this test to get a good grade. The phone call wrapped up. You sent Jackson a text, telling him to check in on Pete. Your timer went off, telling you to get back to work, so you did just that. - A few hours passed, and you were making good progress. You were taking your last break before getting ready for bed. You checked your phone to see if Pete or Jackson had texted you. There wasn't a message from either, but there was one from a random number. 'Hey, Abby.' It began. You frowned. You hated that nickname. 'I know you probably don't want to hear from me, but I really want to speak to you if you will. I need to apologize. It's Mom.' You stared at your phone for a few moments, wondering what to do. [[You put your phone on its charger, deciding not to reply. -> 5.4aa]] [[You replied with, 'Hi. I have school in the morning, so we can talk another time. -> 5.4bb]]

Grammy was clearly asleep when you entered the house, so you quietly walked up the stairs. You turned on your desk lamp after closing your bedroom door. You looked at your math notes and shook your head. There was no way you were going to absorb anything now. So, you got ready for bed and fell asleep moments after getting in the bed. - 'A 65? At least you passed,' Yasmene replied. 'By one point XD,' Kyla chimed in. You sighed. You couldn't believe you bombed the math test. Well, you could, but you were still bummed about it. 'Let's go ghost hunting in the Jameson home to cheer you up,' sent Jackson. 'OOOO YES!' Yasmene replied. 'I'm down,' you replied. 'See you there at [[9:30 -> 6.1a]], ' Jackson replied.

You got ready for bed and fell asleep quickly once getting in the bed. - "Grammy! I got a 90 on my math test!" You shouted when you got home. She stepped in the hallway from whatever she had been doing. "Oh, I'm so proud of you, deary." She opened her arms, and you immediately went to give her a hug. Once in your room, you texted your groupchat to ask if they wanted to go ghost hunting that night. They all said yes and agreed on a time to meet at the [[Jameson house -> 6.1a]], the well known abandoned haunted house in town.

You got ready for bed and fell asleep quickly once getting in the bed. - "Grammy! I got a 90 on my math test!" You shouted when you got home. She stepped in the hallway from whatever she had been doing. "Oh, I'm so proud of you, deary." She opened her arms, and you immediately went to give her a hug. Once in your room, you texted your groupchat to ask if they wanted to go ghost hunting that night. They all said yes and agreed on a time to meet at the [[Jameson house -> 6.1b]], the well known abandoned haunted house in town.

You got ready for bed and fell asleep quickly once getting in the bed. - "Grammy! I got a 90 on my math test!" You shouted when you got home. She stepped in the hallway from whatever she had been doing. "Oh, I'm so proud of you, deary." She opened her arms, and you immediately went to give her a hug. Once in your room, you texted your groupchat to ask if they wanted to go ghost hunting that night. They all said yes and agreed on a time to meet at the [[Jameson house -> 6.2a]], the well known abandoned haunted house in town.

You got ready for bed and fell asleep quickly once getting in the bed. - "Grammy! I got a 90 on my math test!" You shouted when you got home. She stepped in the hallway from whatever she had been doing. "Oh, I'm so proud of you, deary." She opened her arms, and you immediately went to give her a hug. Once in your room, you texted your groupchat to ask if they wanted to go ghost hunting that night. They all said yes and agreed on a time to meet at the [[Jameson house -> 6.2b]], the well known abandoned haunted house in town.

You got ready for bed and fell asleep quickly once getting in the bed. - "Grammy! I got a 90 on my math test!" You shouted when you got home. She stepped in the hallway from whatever she had been doing. "Oh, I'm so proud of you, deary." She opened her arms, and you immediately went to give her a hug. Once in your room, you texted your groupchat to ask if they wanted to go ghost hunting that night. They all said yes and agreed on a time to meet at the [[Jameson house -> 6.3a]], the well known abandoned haunted house in town.

You got ready for bed and fell asleep quickly once getting in the bed. - "Grammy! I got a 90 on my math test!" You shouted when you got home. She stepped in the hallway from whatever she had been doing. "Oh, I'm so proud of you, deary." She opened her arms, and you immediately went to give her a hug. Once in your room, you texted your groupchat to ask if they wanted to go ghost hunting that night. They all said yes and agreed on a time to meet at the [[Jameson house -> 6.3b]], the well known abandoned haunted house in town.

You got ready for bed and fell asleep quickly once getting in the bed. - "Grammy! I got a 90 on my math test!" You shouted when you got home. She stepped in the hallway from whatever she had been doing. "Oh, I'm so proud of you, deary." She opened her arms, and you immediately went to give her a hug. Once in your room, you texted your groupchat to ask if they wanted to go ghost hunting that night. They all said yes and agreed on a time to meet at the [[Jameson house -> 6.4a]], the well known abandoned haunted house in town.

You got ready for bed and fell asleep quickly once getting in the bed. - "Grammy! I got a 90 on my math test!" You shouted when you got home. She stepped in the hallway from whatever she had been doing. "Oh, I'm so proud of you, deary." She opened her arms, and you immediately went to give her a hug. Once in your room, you texted your groupchat to ask if they wanted to go ghost hunting that night. They all said yes and agreed on a time to meet at the [[Jameson house -> 6.4b]], the well known abandoned haunted house in town.

Jackson picked you up on his way in his little red pick up truck that his dad had given him. There was a guy sitting in the passenger seat next to him who had to move over to the middle seat to let you in. You couldn't remember his name, but you were pretty sure you were in a class with him last year. "This is David," Jackson said as you climbed in. "We were studying together so I invited him along. Hope you don't mind." "Hey!" You said. "We had a class together last year, right?" "Yeah, European History with Yates," he replied, shooting you a knowing smile. Jackson pulled off in the direction of the Jameson house. "Right, right. What a nutcase," you said, laughing at the memories you had of Yates, who would often talk to himself in odd ways. The car ride was silent the rest of the way. You knew you were there when you saw the tall Victorian house on the corner. It's exterior paint was chipping, and several windows were busted in. There was tape on the door that cautioned people from trespassing. That hadn't stopped y'all before, and it wouldn't now. "I brought the Ouija board," said Kyla as you climbed out in the parking lot for the park across the road. Pete was leaning on his car, a frown on his face. "Kyla, are you sure that's a good idea?" All things considered, Pete seemed to be doing alright. His tone suggested some frustrations, but it was playful. You walked over to him. "How are you holding up?" You asked, leaning on his car next to him. As you did this, you noticed David watching you from across the lot. The sun was setting behind him, so you looked down to the pavement as Pete answered. "Better. The more distance I get from it, the easier I can see why Luis ended things. We just weren't meant to be," he replied. "Ok, guys! You know the deal. Get your stuff and let's head inside before the sun sets completely!" Jackson called, grabbing his backpack from the truck. You sent a smile to Pete and followed your friends across the street. When the Jameson house wasn't being used for parties, it was often visited by the kids of the town who hoped to catch a glimpse of a ghost on camera. There were ghost stories gallore surrounding this house, too, that were often told over bonfires. Even though it wasn't hard to get in the front, your friend group's entrance of choice was the small window behind the house that opened to the basement. It added to the "creep factor," claimed Kyla, who was the friend group's resident witch. You weren't sure how much you bought into the ghost stuff OR the witch stuff, but you enjoyed the time adventuring with your friends. Besides, who doesn't like a little spook here and there in their life? "Let's see if I fit through it this time," Jackson said playfully as the group skirted behind the house. You snorted in response, picturing Jackson wedged in to the window. "Help, I'm stuck!" Yasmene said in a mocking tone, which sent Jackson into a fit of laughter. "Hush, guys!" said Kyla. "Or we'll be caught." You know she didn't really fear getting caught, but you all put on the semblance of fear of what would happen if caught to add to the atmosphere. In reality, you might get a small smack on the wrist and stern talking to from Grammy, but it wasn't anything to really fear. The small window was situated behind the house where the backyard was overgrown with weeds and underbrush. The setting sun was positioned in front of the house, so the backyard was hidden in shadows. Kyla was at the head of the group, leading the way through the familiar path. When she reached the window, she wedged it open and slipped inside, with the help of Jackson. One by one, you all entered the house. When it was your turn, you saw David was behind you. He held your hand as you backed through the window, your foot searching for the table below the window. Once you were safely through, you saw Kyla was setting up a space to begin in the middle of the sparse basement. She had a flashlight set facing the ceiling, the only light in the room. Jackson was setting up his camera next to Kyla. He was always trying to catch footage. "You guys come here often?" David asked from behind you, making you jump. You turned to face him, half smiling awkwardly. "We like to come sometimes for fun," you replied, taking a step back when you noticed how close he was. Once everyone was inside, you all sat in a circle around Kyla to begin playing with the Ouija board. You sat kind of behind Kyla, opting to not have your hand directly on the planchette and watch instead. David sat down next to you. The room quieted down as everyone settled in and Kyla began asking a series of questions. All eyes were on the planchette. "Do you believe in this stuff?" David asked. You shrugged. "I don't really consider myself religious or spiritual, but I'm open." David nodded. "My mom would probably kill me for being here, but I don't really know what I believe." You didn't reply, noticing how David was leaning closer to you. "So, listen, I've been meaning to ask you for a while, but I was wondering--" David was cut off by Jackson shrieking. Pete was giggling like crazy across the circle, nearly bent in half as he shook with laughter. "That's not funny! I thought you were a demon or some shit!" Jackson shouted. Everyone laughed at that, and as Jackson calmed down, he shook his head and hid his face. "And we got it on camera. Yes!" Yasmene said with a playfully wicked smile. You looked over at them, wondering what Pete had been doing. You were about to ask when David started talking to you again. "As I was saying, I've been meaning to ask you... well, if you don't already have plans, that is. Would you maybe wanna go to prom? With me?" You blinked, looking at David in shock. There was silence between the two of you for a while. "Did I say something wrong?" He asked. You laughed uncomfortably. "Um, no. I just... I think you've got the wrong idea." "What do you mean?" He asked, confused. You laughed again, not quite sure how to break it to the poor guy. "Uh, well, I'm gay." He blinked for a moment. He leaned back away from you. After a few moments, he said, "Oh." His face cringed. "I'm sorry; that must've been awkward." "Just a bit." You both laughed awkwardly. After that, you were beyond ready to be done with the night, so you were excited when your friends wrapped stuff up and you left. Once you were home and settled, you texted your friends about what had happened. 'Ew, I'm sorry I brought him along,' said Jackson. Yasmene chipped in with, 'I thought something was up with him.' 'yikes,' said Landon. 'I'm sorry your night was ruined! At least we can make it up with our trip to the movies tomorrow. What are we seeing again?' Kyla sent in the chat. 'That new movie about the giant squid, right?' asked Landon. The chat kept blowing up, but you went to bed, relieved to have dodged the bullet. - The next night, you were getting ready for the movie. Jackson was going to pick you up at 7. It was 6:45 so you only had a few minutes to finish up. You were in the bathroom applying eyeliner wings. You sucked at them due to your shaky hands, but Kyla had taught you a trick with tape that you were trying out. You heard the doorbell ring. You vaguely wondered who it was considering Jackson would text when he got there, but you didn't ponder it too much. It was likely just one of your Grammy's church friends. A few minutes passed, and you had finished up your makeup. You were tying up your hair when there was a quiet knock on the door. Once you told her to open it, Grammy stepped inside. "Abigail, I know this is a tough choice. Know I will respect whatever your decision is. Your mother is downstairs. What do you want to do?" She said before even letting you talk. Blindsided, you swallowed nervously. Involuntary tears filled your eyes, but you violently blinked them back. No, you refused to have a breakdown here. You thought about how the floor beneath you was all that separated you from your mother, who had been separated from you by state lines for so long. As your phone dinged letting you know Jackson was there, you knew what to do. [[You walked downstairs with Grammy. -> 7a]] [[You apologized to Grammy and snuck out the back of the house to meet Jackson. -> 7b]]

Jackson picked you up on his way in his little red pick up truck that his dad had given him. There was a guy sitting in the passenger seat next to him who had to move over to the middle seat to let you in. You couldn't remember his name, but you were pretty sure you were in a class with him last year. "This is David," Jackson said as you climbed in. "We were studying together so I invited him along. Hope you don't mind." "Hey!" You said. "We had a class together last year, right?" "Yeah, European History with Yates," he replied, shooting you a knowing smile. Jackson pulled off in the direction of the Jameson house. "Right, right. What a nutcase," you said, laughing at the memories you had of Yates, who would often talk to himself in odd ways. The car ride was silent the rest of the way. You knew you were there when you saw the tall Victorian house on the corner. It's exterior paint was chipping, and several windows were busted in. There was tape on the door that cautioned people from trespassing. That hadn't stopped y'all before, and it wouldn't now. "I brought the Ouija board," said Kyla as you climbed out in the parking lot for the park across the road. Pete was leaning on his car, a frown on his face. "Kyla, are you sure that's a good idea?" All things considered, Pete seemed to be doing alright. His tone suggested some frustrations, but it was playful. You walked over to him. "How are you holding up?" You asked, leaning on his car next to him. As you did this, you noticed David watching you from across the lot. The sun was setting behind him, so you looked down to the pavement as Pete answered. "Better. The more distance I get from it, the easier I can see why Luis ended things. We just weren't meant to be," he replied. "Ok, guys! You know the deal. Get your stuff and let's head inside before the sun sets completely!" Jackson called, grabbing his backpack from the truck. You sent a smile to Pete and followed your friends across the street. When the Jameson house wasn't being used for parties, it was often visited by the kids of the town who hoped to catch a glimpse of a ghost on camera. There were ghost stories gallore surrounding this house, too, that were often told over bonfires. Even though it wasn't hard to get in the front, your friend group's entrance of choice was the small window behind the house that opened to the basement. It added to the "creep factor," claimed Kyla, who was the friend group's resident witch. You weren't sure how much you bought into the ghost stuff OR the witch stuff, but you enjoyed the time adventuring with your friends. Besides, who doesn't like a little spook here and there in their life? "Let's see if I fit through it this time," Jackson said playfully as the group skirted behind the house. You snorted in response, picturing Jackson wedged in to the window. "Help, I'm stuck!" Yasmene said in a mocking tone, which sent Jackson into a fit of laughter. "Hush, guys!" said Kyla. "Or we'll be caught." You know she didn't really fear getting caught, but you all put on the semblance of fear of what would happen if caught to add to the atmosphere. In reality, you might get a small smack on the wrist and stern talking to from Grammy, but it wasn't anything to really fear. The small window was situated behind the house where the backyard was overgrown with weeds and underbrush. The setting sun was positioned in front of the house, so the backyard was hidden in shadows. Kyla was at the head of the group, leading the way through the familiar path. When she reached the window, she wedged it open and slipped inside, with the help of Jackson. One by one, you all entered the house. When it was your turn, you saw David was behind you. He held your hand as you backed through the window, your foot searching for the table below the window. Once you were safely through, you saw Kyla was setting up a space to begin in the middle of the sparse basement. She had a flashlight set facing the ceiling, the only light in the room. Jackson was setting up his camera next to Kyla. He was always trying to catch footage. "You guys come here often?" David asked from behind you, making you jump. You turned to face him, half smiling. "We like to come sometimes for fun," you replied. Once everyone was inside, you all sat in a circle around Kyla to begin playing with the Ouija board. You sat kind of behind Kyla, opting to not have your hand directly on the planchette and watch instead. David sat down next to you. The room quieted down as everyone settled in and Kyla began asking a series of questions. All eyes were on the planchette. "Do you believe in this stuff?" David asked. You shrugged. "I don't really consider myself religious or spiritual, but I'm open." David nodded. "My mom would probably kill me for being here, but I don't really know what I believe." "My Grammy is pretty religious, so she wouldn't be a fan either," you replied, noticing how David was leaning closer to you. "So, listen, I've been meaning to ask you for a while, but I was wondering--" David was cut off by Jackson shrieking. Pete was giggling like crazy across the circle, nearly bent in half as he shook with laughter. "That's not funny! I thought you were a demon or some shit!" Jackson shouted. Everyone laughed at that, and as Jackson calmed down, he shook his head and hid his face. "And we got it on camera. Yes!" Yasmene said with a playfully wicked smile. You looked over at them, wondering what Pete had been doing. You were about to ask when David started talking to you again. "As I was saying, I've been meaning to ask you... well, if you don't already have plans, that is. Would you maybe wanna go to prom? With me?" You blinked, looking at David in shock. There was silence between the two of you for a while. "Did I say something wrong?" He asked. You laughed uncomfortably. "Um, no. I just... I've never been asked anything like that before." "So what's your answer?" He asked after a moment. You paused for a second. Then, you thought how you didn't really have another option. You shrugged. "Sure." He smiled. "Well, let's exchange numbers so we can coordinate." You handed him your phone, letting him make a contact for himself. You texted him so he had your number. After that, you were beyond ready to be done with the night, so you were excited when your friends wrapped stuff up and you left. Once you were home and settled, you texted your friends about what had happened. 'How exciting!' said Jackson. Yasmene chipped in with, 'I thought something was up with him. He had eyes for you for sure.' 'he is a looker,' said Landon. 'Ooooo we can celebrate with our trip to the movies tomorrow. What are we seeing again?' Kyla sent in the chat. 'That new movie about the giant squid, right?' asked Landon. The chat kept blowing up, but you went to bed, exhausted. - The next night, you were getting ready for the movie. Jackson was going to pick you up at 7. It was 6:45 so you only had a few minutes to finish up. You were in the bathroom applying eyeliner wings. You sucked at them due to your shaky hands, but Kyla had taught you a trick with tape that you were trying out. You heard the doorbell ring. You vaguely wondered who it was considering Jackson would text when he got there, but you didn't ponder it too much. It was likely just one of your Grammy's church friends. A few minutes passed, and you had finished up your makeup. You were tying up your hair when there was a quiet knock on the door. Once you told her to open it, Grammy stepped inside. "Abigail, I know this is a tough choice. Know I will respect whatever your decision is. Your mother is downstairs. What do you want to do?" She said before even letting you talk. Blindsided, you swallowed nervously. Involuntary tears filled your eyes, but you violently blinked them back. No, you refused to have a breakdown here. You thought about how the floor beneath you was all that separated you from your mother, who had been separated from you by state lines for so long. As your phone dinged letting you know Jackson was there, you knew what to do. [[You walked downstairs with Grammy. -> 7a]] [[You apologized to Grammy and snuck out the back of the house to meet Jackson. -> 7b]]

Jackson picked you up on his way in his little red pick up truck that his dad had given him. There was a guy sitting in the passenger seat next to him who had to move over to the middle seat to let you in. You couldn't remember his name, but you were pretty sure you were in a class with him last year. "This is David," Jackson said as you climbed in. "We were studying together so I invited him along. Hope you don't mind." "Hey!" You said. "We had a class together last year, right?" "Yeah, European History with Yates," he replied, shooting you a knowing smile. Jackson pulled off in the direction of the Jameson house. "Right, right. What a nutcase," you said, laughing at the memories you had of Yates, who would often talk to himself in odd ways. The car ride was silent the rest of the way. You knew you were there when you saw the tall Victorian house on the corner. It's exterior paint was chipping, and several windows were busted in. There was tape on the door that cautioned people from trespassing. That hadn't stopped y'all before, and it wouldn't now. "I brought the Ouija board," said Kyla as you climbed out in the parking lot for the park across the road. Pete was leaning on his car, a frown on his face. "Kyla, are you sure that's a good idea?" All things considered, Pete seemed to be doing alright. His tone suggested some frustrations, but it was playful. You walked over to him. "How are you holding up?" You asked, leaning on his car next to him. As you did this, you noticed David watching you from across the lot. The sun was setting behind him, so you looked down to the pavement as Pete answered. "Better. The more distance I get from it, the easier I can see why Luis ended things. We just weren't meant to be," he replied. "Ok, guys! You know the deal. Get your stuff and let's head inside before the sun sets completely!" Jackson called, grabbing his backpack from the truck. You sent a smile to Pete and followed your friends across the street. When the Jameson house wasn't being used for parties, it was often visited by the kids of the town who hoped to catch a glimpse of a ghost on camera. There were ghost stories gallore surrounding this house, too, that were often told over bonfires. Even though it wasn't hard to get in the front, your friend group's entrance of choice was the small window behind the house that opened to the basement. It added to the "creep factor," claimed Kyla, who was the friend group's resident witch. You weren't sure how much you bought into the ghost stuff OR the witch stuff, but you enjoyed the time adventuring with your friends. Besides, who doesn't like a little spook here and there in their life? "Let's see if I fit through it this time," Jackson said playfully as the group skirted behind the house. You snorted in response, picturing Jackson wedged in to the window. "Help, I'm stuck!" Yasmene said in a mocking tone, which sent Jackson into a fit of laughter. "Hush, guys!" said Kyla. "Or we'll be caught." You know she didn't really fear getting caught, but you all put on the semblance of fear of what would happen if caught to add to the atmosphere. In reality, you might get a small smack on the wrist and stern talking to from Grammy, but it wasn't anything to really fear. The small window was situated behind the house where the backyard was overgrown with weeds and underbrush. The setting sun was positioned in front of the house, so the backyard was hidden in shadows. Kyla was at the head of the group, leading the way through the familiar path. When she reached the window, she wedged it open and slipped inside, with the help of Jackson. One by one, you all entered the house. When it was your turn, you saw David was behind you. He held your hand as you backed through the window, your foot searching for the table below the window. Once you were safely through, you saw Kyla was setting up a space to begin in the middle of the sparse basement. She had a flashlight set facing the ceiling, the only light in the room. Jackson was setting up his camera next to Kyla. He was always trying to catch footage. "You guys come here often?" David asked from behind you, making you jump. You turned to face him, half smiling awkwardly. "We like to come sometimes for fun," you replied, taking a step back when you noticed how close he was. Once everyone was inside, you all sat in a circle around Kyla to begin playing with the Ouija board. You sat kind of behind Kyla, opting to not have your hand directly on the planchette and watch instead. David sat down next to you. The room quieted down as everyone settled in and Kyla began asking a series of questions. All eyes were on the planchette. "Do you believe in this stuff?" David asked. You shrugged. "I don't really consider myself religious or spiritual, but I'm open." David nodded. "My mom would probably kill me for being here, but I don't really know what I believe." You didn't reply, noticing how David was leaning closer to you. "So, listen, I've been meaning to ask you for a while, but I was wondering--" David was cut off by Jackson shrieking. Pete was giggling like crazy across the circle, nearly bent in half as he shook with laughter. "That's not funny! I thought you were a demon or some shit!" Jackson shouted. Everyone laughed at that, and as Jackson calmed down, he shook his head and hid his face. "And we got it on camera. Yes!" Yasmene said with a playfully wicked smile. You looked over at them, wondering what Pete had been doing. You were about to ask when David started talking to you again. "As I was saying, I've been meaning to ask you... well, if you don't already have plans, that is. Would you maybe wanna go to prom? With me?" You blinked, looking at David in shock. There was silence between the two of you for a while. "Did I say something wrong?" He asked. You laughed uncomfortably. "Um, no. I just... I don't think I'm looking for anything romantic right now. And prom is a bit much." He blinked for a moment. He leaned back away from you. After a few moments, he said, "Oh." His face cringed, and he sounded incredibly disappointed. After that, you were beyond ready to be done with the night, so you were excited when your friends wrapped stuff up and you left. Once you were home and settled, you texted your friends about what had happened. 'Ew, I'm sorry I brought him along,' said Jackson. Yasmene chipped in with, 'I thought something was up with him.' 'yikes,' said Landon. 'I'm sorry your night was ruined! At least we can make it up with our trip to the movies tomorrow. What are we seeing again?' Kyla sent in the chat. 'That new movie about the giant squid, right?' asked Landon. The chat kept blowing up, but you went to bed, relieved to have dodged the bullet. - The next night, you were getting ready for the movie. Jackson was going to pick you up at 7. It was 6:45 so you only had a few minutes to finish up. You were in the bathroom applying eyeliner wings. You sucked at them due to your shaky hands, but Kyla had taught you a trick with tape that you were trying out. You heard the doorbell ring. You vaguely wondered who it was considering Jackson would text when he got there, but you didn't ponder it too much. It was likely just one of your Grammy's church friends. A few minutes passed, and you had finished up your makeup. You were tying up your hair when there was a quiet knock on the door. Once you told her to open it, Grammy stepped inside. "Abigail, I know this is a tough choice. Know I will respect whatever your decision is. Your mother is downstairs. What do you want to do?" She said before even letting you talk. Blindsided, you swallowed nervously. Involuntary tears filled your eyes, but you violently blinked them back. No, you refused to have a breakdown here. You thought about how the floor beneath you was all that separated you from your mother, who had been separated from you by state lines for so long. As your phone dinged letting you know Jackson was there, you knew what to do. [[You walked downstairs with Grammy. -> 7a]] [[You apologized to Grammy and snuck out the back of the house to meet Jackson. -> 7b]]

As you descended the steps, your hands were shaking. You had long ago given up on the idea of your mom coming back in your life. You had gotten used to being the girl without a mom. What would become of you if you did have a mom? Was she here to stay? Was she just stopping in? What if you got close to her and she ran away again. Grammy led you to the living room. A middle aged woman with died blonde hair sat on the couch. She was looking around the room, as if taking stock of the room. She looked towards the door at the sound of people in the room. When she made eye contact with you, you felt a twinge of recognition. "Abby?" She asked quietly. Her voice was soothing and brought back a memory from a summer long, long ago. You couldn't remember much beyond the sound of her voice calling out 'Abby! Abby!' "Um, I actually prefer Abigail," you said awkwardly, taking a step into the room when Grammy put a hand on your back. "Oh," she said, her face falling for a second before she picked it up with a smile once more. "Well, you look great. How is school? What's it like here? So much has changed..." Her words slowed to halt, tears welling in her eyes. "Oh, Abby--I mean, Abigail. I'm so sorry." She stood up slowly, opening her arms. You stared at her, an internal battle going on. You were terrified of letting her back in. You glanced over your shoulder at Grammy. She gave you a familiar soft smile. Although it did not entirely take away the pain of a mother who chose not to be there, Grammy had made your life so much better. And you knew she wasn't going anywhere. Grammy lifted a hand, rubbing your arm warmly. You half-smiled, turning back to your mother. Taking a step forward, you said, "I missed you." You entered her arms, which encircled you in a tight embrace. "I missed you, too, hun. I am //so// sorry. I have no excuses, but I've put together some of my journals for you. Just so that, you know, you can see." As she spoke, she rocked you back and forth slowly. A few tears escaped from your eyes, sliding down your cheeks gently. "I want to make it up to you. Let me make it up to you?" You pulled away from the hug, using your sleeves to wipe your eyes. You nodded without saying anything. You weren't sure you would be able to get anything over the lump in your throat. "Thank you," she replied softly. Grammy wrapped her arm around your shoulders, practically holding you together. You leaned into her, closing her eyes. In her embrace, you felt safe and secure. "Please don't leave again," you whispered when you opened your eyes. "Never again," your mom replied. "Never." Grammy beckoned her over, wrapping you both in her arms. "I have both my girls back. I've been waiting for this day for a long time." "Me too, Mom," your mom replied, hugging you both tighter. You didn't reply. [[End.]]

The back door shut softly but firmly behind you. You leaned back on it for a moment, wiping a stray tear or two away before walking around the house to Jackson's vehicle. As you climbed in, you looked back at the house. A different vehicle, likely your mother's sat in the driveway. You swallowed. Now wasn't the time. It may never be the time. But it wasn't your responsibility to build that bridge. "Let's go," you said to Jackson. He pulled off. [[End.]]

Story by Piper Giannini. Completed as an Individual Study at the University of Mary Washington under the guidance of Dr. Zach Whalen. A special thank you to my Mimi and Mom, both of whom have been an incredible influence on me. I love them both dearly and don't know how I would've gotten here without them.