Caught talking about non-lab related issues in chemistry class, Jordan and Brian lie, covering for one another. Barely able to contain their mirth, they manage to wait until they get outside the room to laugh.
Brian chuckled as he supported Jordan. He didn’t think the situation was nearly as funny as she did, but it was amusing.
School went well. The weather stayed chilly, but there were no more weird winds or sleet storms. After school, Brian and Jordan waited for her mother to pick them up. They sat on the steps leading up to the school, sharing a Coca-Cola and a cinnamon roll Brian had leftover from lunch.
“Mom would kill me if she knew I was eating junk. She thinks we shouldn’t eat meat or refined sugars. Of course, Dad and I like Reuben sandwiches and steak, so we sneak out for a Dad and Daughter day and gorge ourselves.”
“Doesn’t your mom suspect?”
“Oh, sure. When you come back smelling like fried food, it’s hard to deny.”
Brian chuckled. “Worse things to smell like.”
“Yeah, don’t get me started on that stuff. Mom would seriously give birth to a cow if I did drugs. And she’s a drug rep. She would know.”
“The one time I smoked a joint, my mom knew. She was cool about it, didn’t freak out, but she also didn’t let me go out for a week and I’m not allowed to hang out with that kid any more.”
“Doesn’t it bother you that she’s that over protective?”
“Not really. It shows she cares.”
“Hadn’t thought of it that way.”
“I don’t always agree with my parents, but over all, they’re pretty okay. Then again, I don’t give them any reason to freak, either.”
Jordan raised the Cola can in salute. “Being a social pariah has its perks.”
“Yeah.” Brian laughed loudly. “Yeah, it does.”
Jacqueline Barrett was only a few minutes late. She’d cut short an appointment in order to pick the kids up. She was a little flustered.
“I can’t wait until you can drive, Jo-Jo. It will make life easier.”
“Mom, Jo-Jo? Really?”
“Sorry, baby name,” Jacqueline apologized. “But the sentiment remains.”
“I wish I could drive,” Brian said. “Dad was gonna teach me, but he left right after my birthday.”
“I’ll talk it over with your mom,” Jacqueline said. “Maybe Heath and I can take that in hand when we teach Jordan. We’ll see about getting learner’s permits next week, if it’s okay with her.”
“You’d do that for me? Thank you.”
“You’re so welcome, honey. I wouldn’t do it for everyone, but you have such a beautiful aura. You’re a lovely green with a strong blue presence.”
“I don’t know what that means,” Brian admitted sheepishly.
Jacqueline smiled as she pulled into Brian’s driveway. “It means that you’re a strong healer and you’re very peaceful. It also means you’re steadfast and a wonderful young man. I couldn’t ask for a better friend for my daughter. Her aura is a lovely sunrise yellow.”
Brian looked at Jordan for an explanation.
“It means I’m full of inner joy and love,” she replied with a smirk and an impudent flutter of her eyelashes.
“You sure your mom’s not color blind?” Brian asked with a sly wink.
Jordan punched him.
“Yup! I’m feeling the love right now, Mrs. B.”
Jacqueline laughed at him. “Well, we all backslide sometimes.”
“Before we forget, Mom, Brian and I were invited to a bonfire at nine. Is it okay if I go?”
“How will you get there?”
“I guess we’ll need a ride,” Brian admitted. “I can see if maybe Chase’s dad can come get us.”
“Heath or I can take you,” Jacqueline replied. “Of course, it will depend on if your mother says it’s all right. Does she know Chase’s parents?”
“Ms. B, there’s like fifty people in town. Of course, she does.”
“If she says it’s all right, then yes. But you’ll have to come home by ten thirty. It’s a school night.”
“Thanks for the ride. I’ll see y’all at seven for dinner.” He waved as he got out.
“I’ll pick you up in the morning,” Jacqueline said as he got out. “I don’t like you kids walking in the dark in this weather. It’s supposed to snow.”
“That’d be great, Ms. B. Thank you.” He closed the door and headed up the steps to the house.
© 2016 Dellani Oakes
Dellani Oakes 