I'm His Lover

w. I haven't been paying attention in class. I know how to do thi

ing that summer. I would meet new people, make new friends, and maybe

and almost 18 now. Ha, funny! I talked about The Sound of Music. Anyway, I'll be 18 in less than two weeks, which is a

omero!" Mr. Martian says to me

lose my sketchbook. "Yes?" I'm

k about our plans for the week on Monday. Also, h

ater. I remember that she called Miss Kay from down the street and asked her to come watch me until my dad got home. I remember starting up her car and seeing it leave the driveway. I still rem

back to the front of the classroom. "

the door to my big maroon truck. When I get home, I t

e on to English. I finish the outline for a research paper, but since the paper wasn't due until W

er than his own. When he was 15, he moved. We stayed friends

the camera. I feel like he's sad or something. "Acce

you! I swear you must be ki

ses his hands so I can see them

u going to l

. be there by 12 o'cl

'm so excited to see yo

e phone, and I go to the kitchen t

tchen, my dad sends

ng home. Make sure you

do you have in min

to play cards

do anything

n't. Love

You t

heese ready after our short text conversation. I made the choice to eat it e

ie, Spider-Man Homecoming. After the movie and dinner, I start watching Captain Ameri

little sleepy and don

all asleep

ive?" I change the subjec

door. When I open the door, I scream and run into Char

ou!" I put my face right

eep? I had to go a long way "He puts me

up at noon, either. I woke up a long time after my dad left, so I didn't see him. I woke up and star

early. We have people coming over. Tonight, I'll have Marlee cook. There will be a bu

ut loud,

and say something. I gave the note to him. He gives it a quick glance and

wealthy man. Who gets everything he wants. I'

erent," you know.

at he says and keep m

ain America from the beginning again. "Shoot. I should st

t 10 o'clock."

ere my face is. We both laugh, and then we both head for

came home, and he seems to be upset. "You ok dad?" As he comes b

se I don't like dresses, though. I just don't like them. Most of the time, they're

hould be here." The doorbel

about the same age as my dad and a younger man who looks to be around 21 or 2

t me, his icy blue eyes look right into my soul, which makes me catch

reat to see you again, John. We're glad you came." My dad stands up to shake ha

ou'd like. Mark anything?" Joh

ice is deep and strong. Just like his b

the couch. "So, Mark, how are you liking college?" My dad

his as he looks at my dad and then at me. He smiles and turns around. Eve

ege?" I ask. My guess was pretty clos

is my last te

more weeks to go

dad tensing up and getting that nervous look back out of the corner of my eye.

back to talk about something else. Even though I

lans for the future. It's fun for Charlie to talk to Mark. Da

ere. "I'm going to wash the dishes." I

as he looks at me. Ok, so he wants to

mirks - and Mark just looks a little confused. Charlie knows too much

minutes, when I'm drying th

ask. I try to chat with people. He's just standing t

favorite meals." More small talk

something behind me. I don't jump or jerk, I just act normal

e. Before I do, he says to me, "So you're the lucky girl I'm go

ou didn't hear about the bet, did you?" He asks. His eyes are kind

doesn't give an answer. Dad, Charl

mean?" I ask. I'm mad

et's go to the liv

what?" No matter what i