OCR Text |
Show 135 "I have to check out." Her voice sounded peculiar, even to herself. Mrs. Simpson stopped writing. "Check out? For what?" she asked with Just a trace of annoyance. Dyna flinched. She pulled the card out from between two texts and handed it to her teacher. "I'm leaving for California today at 10:00- to live with my dad. I won't be back." What was she saying? God, what made her say that? "Oh Dyna!" Mrs. Simpson's face dissolved. The flood of emotions Dyna saw there was almost more than she could bear. Covering her mouth with her hand, she turned her back to the class and all its hubbub. "Just sign it, would you?" she managed at last between clenched teeth. Mr6. Simpson signed her name and took the writing text Dyna handed her. Now, looking up, she too had her mask in place. "Please . . . keep in touch with me." They faced each other, tight-lipped and controlled, though Dyna recognized the pain in her teacher's eyes. It was the same as her own. Dyna turned, her insides in violent upheaval, and hurried out of the room. She interrupted four more teachers to get rid of four more books, but after Simpson, the others were routine. Checking out early meant one less later on, so why should they care? Then there was the prolonged wait in the counseling center for final signatures. The classroom clocks were nearing 9:30 when Dyna went back to her locker for her notebook and sweater. Approaching from the side hall, eyes downcast, she didn't see Parker until she was practically on him. She opened her locker and retrieved her things without saying a word, her heart banging against her ribs. Parker laid a fresh copy of the literary magazine on top of the notebook in her arms. The bright cover shimmered in front of her eyes. "I don't believe you're going to California like Simpson says." "Believe what you like." She started to walk away, but he grabbed her arm and held her there. "Dyna, what's wrong?" |