612 V2 ch84 (1/2)

Friday morning was the same old routine. After a slightly bigger breakfast, Dad and I left the house, leaving the boys on their own. Noah waved as Dad drove away from the house. I watched him until we turned the corner and he was out of sight.

”Are you sad that you can't go to the small get-together at Alisha's?” Dad asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

”No.” I shook my head. I'm actually happy not going. I don't want to take my shirt off. I can't swim. And...there might be some drama today. ”I was just thinking that Noah might get beaten up today.”

Dad glanced at me. ”What?!”

”Kaylee invited Marie. Noah didn't tell Kyle.” I quickly explained, not intending to distract him from driving.

He chuckled. ”Teenagers and young love. It's a hit or miss, but most don't work out.”

”Do you think it'll work out between Kyle and Marie?” I asked, wanting to know an adults opinion on the matter.

”I'm not sure.” He replied honestly. ”They're both at a crossroad in their lives. They're both excellent athletes and have bright futures. Teens are messy though. They might think they want something one second, and then change their mind. Just look at Zeke. He was set on going pro, but changed his mind. It's even more complicated when girls and live are involved.”

”Alisha likes Noah.” I told him.

”Oh? How does Noah feel about that?” He asked, not sounding surprised.

I shrugged. ”I don't think he knows.”

”You didn't tell him?” Dad was surprised about that.

I shrugged again. ”In the beginning I didn't know. Zeke said don't bother saying anything about it, but Alisha is trying a little harder.” Last weekend we went to the arcade and cages, and now this weekend she invited him over for a pool party. ”Do you think I should tell him?”

”Nah.” He waved his hand carelessly. ”Noah will either get the hint, or Alisha will be more straightforward. Let it happen naturally. Didn't you guys help Marie get with Kyle? That didn't turn out so well, now did it?”

I shook my head. ”Relationships are so complicated.”

He laughed. ”That doesn't change the older you get.” He glanced at me. ”Do you have anyone you like?”

I shook my head.

”That's perfectly fine too.”

”Is it..?”

He let out a small laugh. ”Yea. Look at Zeke and Dave. No girls around them either. And, if you really want to know...I didn't have a girlfriend in high school either.”

I stayed silent for a minute. ”...because of your dad and being homeless?”

”Okay.” I answered.

”Okay.” He repeated. ”Alright, we're here. Let's go inside. We're a little bit early, but we still have to fill out some paperwork.” He turned off the car and got out.

I followed.

The medical office building had a list of names right at the entryway, and listed the correct floor and room number. Dad found the name, the floor, and the room number. I trailed after him, getting on the elevator and going up to the fourth floor. He went to the door and slowly opened it to reveal a small waiting room.

”Hello! Welcome!” The receptionist greeted us in a friendly manner. ”How can I help you today?”