Chapter Three

“Mrs. Topek says you’re

not

talking

in counseling.”

Mom says

a few days later.

 

I

sigh

and continue

doing

homework.

 

I hate it

when

she

doesn’t

knock.

 

“Honey…”

 

She stops

there.

 

I know that

pleading

face

she’s wearing

will make

me

feel

guilty,

so I don’t

look up.

 

I know my mom

means

well,

but there’s

nothing

to

say,

really.

 

I hear her

sit on my bed

and sigh.

 

Okay,

now I feel

really

bad. 

 

But what am

I

supposed

to

do,

spill my

deepest

darkest

secrets

to

her?

 

I finish my

math set and

turn around.

 

She’s sitting there,

sad,

as if she didn’t

raise

me

right

or something.

 

I gave her

my best

puppy

dog

face.

 

Ahe gave me

a half smile in

return

and hugged

me.

 

 

“I love you.”