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Show Fair Forever 134 I reach in my pocket and pull out my cell phone and turn it on. I see the last number I've dialed. Katie's. I should press send arid speak to her on her phone Apologize. Ask her to give me another chance. Tell her I need help doing this school thing, getting back into the routine. Learning the routine, actually, since I've never done it that well. But I can't bring myself to push the send button. I'm tempted to toss my phone in the trash. The school is practically empty by the time I finally leave. I shove my hands in my pockets, feel the forty dollars. I begin the long walk to Bayside Assisted Living. Nestled in a grove of holly bushes on a low bluff, Bayside has a perfect view of the channel. The road rises at it approaches the bluff, but I make the mile walk in good time, finding Mom at the reception desk. She isn't pleased to see me. "I shouldn't be letting you do this," she says with a frown. "Yes you should," I answer. "It's what the Captain wants." I give her an innocent smile and change the subject. "How's your day been?" She sighs. "Long. I'm still learning the right buttons on the phone, the right passwords on the computer. I feel out of place." She glances at her computer screen and scowls. "How was school?" "Long. And I feel out of place. Ditto your answer." I don't mention Katie or the cell phone or my useless life. Mom smiles her eyes gentle. "Mr. Callister is Waiting," she says. "Room fourteen. Turn left at the comer." • I start to leave, but she grabs my hand. "He's a little confused today, Bradley. A new place, new schedule. Give him a chance to remember you." |
