Page 142 of One More Kiss

I didn’t even wait around for the man’s reply. It wasn’t like I owed him anything. I was cleared with the principal’s words, so I figured I could leave without answering to anyone else on the grounds.

I hopped into my old brown Ford Bronco and started the engine. It always felt like freedom when leaving the school early. The parking lost was still packed undoubtedly making me the only senior cleared to leave for the day. Although I was excited to leave, I couldn’t get my mind off of the girl. Should I have stayed just to see if I could find out who she was, or find out another time?

I figured I had more time to learn who she was. She entranced me, but maybe it was just my imagination. Locking eyes with her was quick and the feeling I had when doing so was fleeting, almost like I imagined it. I probably played out the entire scene, making myself feel something I had no right to feel. I chuckled from the thought. A day away from school and the gorgeous blue-eyed girl was what I needed before I ended up making an even bigger fool of myself.

My phone rang, pulling me out of my reverie. I didn’t answer the call because I was still driving. Once I pulled into the driveway of my one story, cream-colored home, I flipped open the phone and called the missed number.

“Dude,” the voice screeched on the first ring. “Where the hell are you?”

I knew right away it was my best friend, Cory Thibodaux. Shit, I didn’t tell him I was heading out for the day, but usually we didn’t share that kind of information. We ended up finding out later in the day. Figured he’d bug me now about the early release.

“Principal Gardner released me early for fixing the computers in the teachers’ lounge,” I replied, “What’s up?”

Cory responded, “Did you forget we had Acting? We were supposed to stay at the table and recruit new members during sixth period.”

“Damn. I forgot all about that. It’s a little late now, I’m home. Can you get Mrs. Timms to reschedule for tomorrow? I’ll be there or else you’ll be recruiting on your own,” I offered.

I enjoyed recruiting the new members. Cory and I were the ones who did it every year.

“I’ll ask her and call you back. I’m sure she won’t mind considering it’s always been our job,” Cory said, “Man, you’re a lucky duck. I wish I would’ve been the one to land the computer technician job at the school. I’d probably be out early too.”

“Well, you still can,” I said, “I’m sure there are more openings.”

“Nah. I don’t have the time. Too much on my plate,” Cory said, sighing into the phone.

“The offer is still on the table. I’d put in a good word for you if you decide to change your mind. And don’t forget to ask Mrs. Timms to change the date,” I said, “We still on for band practice tonight?”

“Shit. We have to reschedule that too. Let me get back with you. My brother’s having some issues and Mom’s working a lot,” Cory replied.

“No problem. Let me know what’s up. Talk later,” I replied.

“Later,” Cory said before hanging up.

I grasped my backpack, opened the car door, and then walked to the front door. The mail was on the ground right in front of the door. I grabbed the stack, opened the door, and walked in.

“I’m home,” I called into the dark living room.

There wasn’t an answer, which meant my parents were at work. I settled in by going into my room and turning on the large monitor. Browsing the internet was a new pastime I had taken up since there wasn’t anything else to do. But still, long locks blurred my vision as I thought about the girl from earlier.

Damn, I was screwed.

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