Page 26 of The Teacher of Nothing
Mom: Have you seen my black clutch?
All pleasure at my encounter with Callum disappears in an instant. I glare at her words, angry at her for not being the mother I need her to be.
Me: I don’t exactly go to black tie affairs, so I don’t have it.
The dots move as she responds. I’m not normally bitchy to her, but being with Callum has left me energized.
Mom: You don’t have to be a brat about it.
It’s always like this. When she comes out of her pill fog and decides to be a parent again, I’m just supposed to bounce into line right along with her.
Me: I’ll be home soon to help you look for it.
An ache forms in my chest. Everything in my life seems to be in turmoil lately. Almost daily, I wish we could go back to the days when Darren and Levi weren’t in our lives.
Another buzz from my phone has me scowling. But, instead of Mom, it’s him.
Callum: Sorry about earlier.
I frown in confusion before tapping out a reply.
Me: When you bit me?
The dots move and stop a couple of times before he responds.
Callum: Not sorry about the bite. I meant I’m sorry about making you hide while I dealt with my sister.
Me: You were protecting me.
Callum: I like protecting you.
Energy buzzes through my veins.
Me: It was nice forgetting everything around me for a little while. You’re distracting.
Callum: You’re distracting too. Trust me.
A car honks as they drive by and I recognize Dempsey. He waves his hand through the window before he guns it. I can’t help but wave back.
Me: Maybe I should meet you somewhere. You could give me the lecture notes.
Callum: Bad idea. Seriously. The worst idea ever.
Me: Because you’d try and bite me again?
Callum: Absolutely.
This is flirting. We’re actually flirting. Callum Park is actually into me.
Me: I don’t see the problem.
He makes me feel comfortable enough to put myself out there, especially since he’s doing the same.
Callum: The problem is…I can’t be with you.
His words sting. I frown as I stare down at them.
Me: I’m eighteen.
