Chapter Ten: At Home with Nothing to Do:

I made it back home.

“I’m home,” I said. “And brought the mayo.” I waved the jar in the air.

“I’m in the kitchen, dear,” mom said. I made my way to the kitchen. She was already at the counter making her cake. She turned and looked up.

“Nathan! Oh good! Can you hand it here?” mom said. I walked over and gave her the jar of mayo.

“Thank you,” she said. Mom opened the jar and put the rubber spatula inside.

“So what are you doing today?” she asked. I shrugged.

“I have no idea,” I said. “I have no job and no home.” I walked over and sat down on the stool next to the phone. Mom turned around and smiled.

“Aw, don’t worry baby,” she said. “You’ll find something.” I looked up with a weary look. Why does she have to be so cheerful all the time? I was tempted to ask.

“What are you doing today?” I asked instead. Mom started mixing up the batter.

“Making this cake,” she said. “And then I am going to visit Mrs. Lennon.”

“Oh,” I said. Suddenly, the front door opened.

“We’re home!” I heard Mallory said. I turned to mom with a confused look on my face.

“Should they be back that early?” I asked.

“Yeah,” she said, nodding. “It is the last day of school after all.” I wrinkled my nose.

“Really?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said again.

“Oh…” I said.

“I thought you knew that,” she said.

“I don’t keep track of the school calendar in this town. I haven’t done that in years,” I said. That last part was more to myself. I looked up to see Kimmy and Mallory in the kitchen doorway. Mom had a huge smile on her face.

“Hello girls!” she said. “How was your day?”

“Great!” Kimmy said.

“I’m just glad it’s over,” Mallory said.

“I know the feeling,” I said to myself. I looked over at microwave across from me.

“Ooo, are you making a cake?” Kimmy asked. Mom giggled.

“Dark chocolate,” she said. My sisters squealed aloud. I rubbed my right ear as I wrinkled my nose. Though, I did admit that sounded pretty tasty.

“Is it for us?” Mallory asked.

“No, it’s for the summer party tonight,” Mom said. I looked up with a confused look on my face.

“Summer party?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said. “It’s Mrs. Richardson’s turn this time.” Nothing was clicking in my brain.

“Who?” I asked.

“Oh that’s right, you moved to Boston by then,” Mom said. “They are neighbors that moved in after Janice died.”

“Wait… when did this happen?” I asked.

“Six years ago,” she said. “I told you over the phone, remember?”

“Really?” I asked. I tried to place when this conversation took place. I drew up nothing.

“Yes,” Mom said. “You were probably busy at the time.”

“Oh…” I said. Was I that much out of the loop with Wellfleet? There’s been so much happening over the years. I shook my head to myself.

“Are you alright?” Mallory asked. I held up my hand as I shook my head.

“I’m fine,” I said. “Don’t mind me.”

“Oh, that’s reminds me,” I heard her say.

“Huh?” I asked, lifting my head. Mallory had her phone out and was looking up on something. Already, I knew that I wasn’t going to like this. My fears were confirmed but my jaw still dropped.

My former principal had gotten arrested for inappropriate behavior with three of the female students there.