Chapter Four: Out on the Streets:

After a good meal and good night sleep, I hit the town in the morning. I had planned to keep the day simple. I just wanted to walk around my hometown. Maybe, I could go to the library and check out the volunteer positions. I just need something to do.

“I’m heading out now,” I said.

“Be back in time for dinner,” Mom said.

“Yeah, yeah,” I said. What am I, fourteen? I walked out the door. Last night was uneventful. Mom kept asking questions about my situation and the scandals. I’m still in shock myself. I tried to push the thought of my headmaster hitting on young girls. In all the years I had known him, he came across as stiff and uptight. He always gives the stink eye to PDA. Mr. Garret being attracted to young girls?

I felt myself cringe at the thought. Try to think about something else. I shook my head. Right…

I shoved my hands into my pockets and started walking. I didn’t feel like driving today.

Not much as changed around here. I could hear the seagulls in the distance. Oh yeah, school was going to be out for the summer soon. I would’ve finished Ulysses by Monday. We should be doing test prep too. My poor afternoon class was probably confused on not seeing me there. I wonder who they got to replace me.

“Nathan?” I heard. I turned my head to see a woman in her seventies, watering her flowers. I waved at her.

“When did you get back?” she asked.

“Yesterday,” I said. I started to slowly back away. Please don’t ask me any more questions. I couldn’t bring myself to tell the story of how I got fired again. Especially not after that scandals unfolding around my old school. Last night, I took the liberty of reading the news stories. And believe me, the stories were worse than what my sisters first showed me. More details are coming out faster than the staff can cover it up. How long before it all reaches here?

“What are you doing back from Boston?” the old lady asked.

“Oh, I just thought I would take a break for the summer,” I said. I prayed that my answer would be enough. She just gave me a strange look.

“Doesn’t school get out next week?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said as I forced myself to smile. I started to slowly back away. Come on, get out while you still can. I quickly looked behind me.

“Listen,” I said. “I’m heading to the library to check out that volunteer program. I’ll see you later, okay?” I started to walk away as fast as I could before she could speak. Yes! I’m free!

“Tell your mom I said hi!” I heard behind me. I waved her off. I couldn’t place her the whole time. I mean, I’ve seen her face. Maybe mom will tell me later.

The walk into town didn’t take so long. It felt like my high school days. Every summer, I would go down to the beach with my friends. In fact, I spent graduation night on the beach. Today, I just don’t feel like it. The town looked like it was waking up. I watched all of the closed signs flipped to open. Maybe I could pick up mom something later.

“Nathan?” I heard. I looked up to see… Wait a minute. Is that…?

“Jimmy?” I asked. He waved at me.

“Hey!” he shouted. I ran across the street to him.

“Hey, man!” I said. “How have you been?” We gave dap and hugged. Jimmy’s cool. I’ve known him since sixth grade.

“I’m good,” he said. “You?” I sighed.

“It’s been rough, man,” I said. “The struggle is real.”

“I know,” Jimmy said. “All of that shit going down at your school.”

“Former school,” I corrected him. He gave me a strange look.

“What? Why?” he asked. “Don’t tell me you were…” I quickly shook my head.

“No! Good god, no!” I shouted. “I just learned about that last night.” Jimmy relaxed.

“Oh, good. So what did happen?” he asked.

“How much time do you have?” I asked.

“I’m free for the morning,” Jimmy said.

“Care to walk with me to the library?” I asked. My old friend shrugged.

“Sure,” he said.

“Cool,” I said. We started our walk to the library. Finally, someone sane enough for me to talk to.