Chapter 42

I prayed for another snow day.  I didn't want to go to school and face everything.  More importantly, I didn't want to go to school with Ramper.  Fucking Ramper... ugh.  I would have rather had Francis come along with me like before.  That would have actually been fun, if Francis went to school with me like before.  Of course, that was to stick with me through the kids trying to start trouble.  Not a gang that is hunting my ass down.  I can only imagine how it would go with that idiot cop all day.

Of course though, there was school.  God could only save my ass for so long... if he's even bothering.  In all honesty, I suppose I ought to be lucky.  Clare had to work the day of the snow day because the school she works at is in the city more, where roads are actually plowed.  A completely different district and area than where I go to school.  It was her own fault she lived out more in the country so she still had to fight her way through the snow to get to work.  I had wished upon a bright little star that she would have crashed but she didn't; the bitch came home that night after work.

That was yesterday.  Today, my school was open.  Meaning, one long day of pure hell.  It already started on a shitty note like I mentioned before: Ramper.  However, I also came to find out though that he will be taking me to school from now on.  I figured Luke or Francis would continue dropping me off and picking me up every day but apparently, that was going to be Ramper's job from now on too.  I found that out the after I woke up from my blaring alarm and found Luke wasn't laying next to me.

As it turned out, Luke was downstairs.  I got up from bed, ambushed by the chilly air, and went down to find him in the kitchen.  Talking to Ramper, who just got here apparently.  A little early might I add since I just got up.  But walking into the kitchen, and seeing him sitting there, talking to Luke... I just wanted to turn around and head back up to bed.  My hair was a mess, I was tried, I didn't get ready yet... all the signs why I should go back to bed, right?  And avoid this ass wipe who glanced over to me at my entrance.

My eyes had no time for Luke, as crazy as that sounds.  Me and blonde boy were locked in an instant stare off.  Two souls, bound to be enemies... only one of us should survive.  I narrowed my eyes on him and I could tell I looked disgusted; because I was.  I've said it before: it's crazy how much I don't like this guy after running into him only a handful of times.  Today would be interesting.  That's all I knew for the moment. 

***

"Well you know what, you can go fuck yourself right in the ass," I hissed at him under my breath, leaning over towards where he was sitting next to me at my desk.  It's not like I could scream it; Mr. Cox was giving his spiel up at the front of the classroom.  Glancing between him and Ramper, I narrowed my eyes at him as he glared down in mine beside me.  "And I'll make sure you hate it!"

"Why the hell would I like it to begin with?" 

"You turn yourself on." I whispered, straining my voice and lips over to where he was sitting, his arms crossed and leaning back into the chair.  However, upon hearing that one, he sat forward more and rested his arms on my desk we were sharing since the ones around me were taken.  It was a funny sight really.  Nice organized rows of students... then Ramper pulled up in a chair next to mine in the back.  In reality, he should really be standing in the back of the room, like a normal cop would have done.  Keeping his eyes and mind involved with security.  But nope, it was as if he was among the students.  Speaking intellectually, I think he was there, if not lower.

Facing me more, he spoke in a lighter voice than before, his brows dipping lower and the grooves of lines over his face, marking his age more noticeable. 

"Yeah?  Crazy bitch?  You better start respecting me!"  He pointed an finger down to me in authority.  "Otherwise I wont stop these boys here from doing the same thing to you," he said with a smug voice.  As if that was even a good comeback.

"How the hell would the work?  If I go fuck myself, it involves nobody else."

"I'll make it possible," he growled.

He was sitting a good foot away.  But from where I was leaning up closer to him, hissing in his disgusted face now, I felt I was safe from being yelled at by the teacher.  "If that's the new case, then I wont stop them from fucking you!" I smirked, glancing around and pretending as if they were eyeing him up (which they were to an extent.  Take me and add some cop, in school, and you get staring.  Just not the sexual type I was suggesting). "I already see enough volunteers... yeah eyeing you up real good...." Looking beyond him to some of the guys sitting across the room. I was shocked to see Ramper actually somewhat bought it.

He scoffed but nervously and his eyes looked skeptical.  And without trying to look noticeable to me, he glanced around himself to the kids, as if was worried I was right!  And he was the one with the gun!  "They ain't looking at me," he hissed after a moment, a little too loudly actually, probably getting annoyed with our banter. "If anything, they are looking at your ugly face!"

I heard a deep voice from the front of the room catch my attention, bringing me to look up at Mr. Cox; who didn't look happy as he stared back at me and Ramper.  His tone was much harsher than when he was giving his lecture much louder too.  "Is there an issue?" he asked, looking to Ramper.

He kicked into his professional self.  "No, I'm sorry sir."

Cox gave one curt nod before he went back to his lesson.  By the time Cox had his head turned, I leaned forward on the desk and cupped my mouth, trying to keep my laughter in at him already getting yelled at... and it was only first hour!  Glancing up to Ramper, his eyes down and his thin cheeks slightly flushed, I almost felt bad.  But then I remember he started it with the whole 'shouldn't you belong with the special kids.'  So... yeah, already a great day.

And I was being very sarcastic.  Because it was kind of true they were looking at me.  The entire time actually.  From the moment, I got into school, I was bombarded with questions and hissing threats - worse than usual.  All regarding the shooting or the mental hospital.  It was relieving to be in class (even when I was getting piled with homework).

Ramper was pretty numb to it all.  It didn't bother him; in fact, I think he thought I deserved all this.  After all, I am really insane and am not an actual person.  He said nothing when they would tease me, ask questions, and I think it was slightly because he didn't want to lose his dignity.  After all, he's been against me from the start and didn't want to defend me when he didn't have to.  He was nice to Natalie though when she came around.  The unfortunate thing was I couldn't talk to her privately.  I had to do it in front of Ramper.  He wouldn't leave ear shot, on purpose too I think to get on my nerves.  There would not have been an issue of him standing ten feet away, on watch. Nope.  His ugly face was always by me.  Of course, I needed to take a step back and also accept he was doing his job properly.  However, I knew he took it too far when he followed me into the woman's bathroom before class began; he knew he didn't need to.  He was dumb but not that stupid.  He was trying to piss me off and it ended in the best way possible.  Ramper got a good slap across the face for that one, except from a different girl that was in there when we came in.  His words didn't help when he was following me into the bathroom, saying that he needed to watch me.  Nothing can beat that highlight of the day, before class even started.

I did notice though, even with him always around me and annoying me, he got annoyed very quickly in return when it came to kids bothering him and not me throughout the day.  Figures.  They would ask him questions like four year old's, wondering why he was watching me, what his gun felt like, what he was here to do.... Pathetic.  Ramper would brush them off and be almost just as immature with them and mean, which made me chuckle under my breath.  That was only when it came to them giving him attention.  Like I said, he just let them give me shit - which I did expect. 

Mrs. Dugan though... that bitch was what pushed at him a bit.  We just entered second hour, took our seats, and had a few idiots come up to us. The usual thus far.  However, Mrs. Dugan... started off class and never even looked at me.  She gave us some work to do and I did so quietly, this time not getting into a big argument with Ramper over nothing.  Of course, there was some words exchanged near the end of class when I was finishing up my work (which I was surprised I could somewhat remember after being gone for so long).

"Who was that girl that was talking to you earlier?" he asked me, in an actual curious voice too.  I was surprised.

I looked up from where I was bowed over the desk slightly, working on a worksheet for Chemistry. Lifting my eyes to his though, I noticed that for once they weren't so judging.  They were just curious, even if his lips were set in a slight frown and he looked a little annoyed.  I think that was just how he looked though.  "Natalie?" I asked, sitting back slightly in my chair.  Looking up to where he was sitting next to me, I watched him carefully.  His long face, his bright eyes, lines of expression across his face.  He appeared genuine.  "She's my friend."

He raised an eyebrow and looked a little amused.  "You have a friend?"

"Do you?"

"Yeah, everyone has friends.  I'm surprised you managed to land yourself one."

I shook my head.  "Christ, go to hell," I muttered, looking back down and getting back to finishing up everything.  Sighing, I tried to wipe him away from my brain.  I only think he was capable of making things disappear in your head, he was so dumb.  But god, he was getting on my nerves.  "I'm sure all your friends consist of either baby dolls or dorky cousins."

By the time the bell rang, I could only groan under my breath.  Standing up, him following, I grabbed my bag and collected my books and papers in my arms.  Only, we weren't going to the next class yet.  Nope, like last hour, I stayed after to get all of my work I missed.  Mr. Cox... no problem. He even told me he was sorry about hearing of everything that happened.  But this lady....  Hide.

Pursing my lips, looking up towards the front of the room, I saw her standing there tall, lips screwed, and eyes on the ground.  Clearly pissed at seeing me stay after.  She didn't want to bother with me; I just didn't understand it.  I got that people hate me for no good reason.  But she was at a level of hatred I just didn't understand for an adult.  I wouldn't be ashamed to rub my innocents in her face when the truth comes out; and I wouldln't forgive her either if she apologized I don't think.

Walking up towards the front of class, when I came to stand right in front of her, with Ramper standing a few feet back, waiting, she finally lifted her eyes to me.  And gave me the most disgusting look.  "Hello, Miss. Higgins," she sighed.

"Can I have my homework please," I said, trying to keep as much attitude as I could out of my words.  I felt my body lock up and I forced it to stay that way.  Not moving.  I just wanted to slap her and moving might just tempt my body too much.  Offering a snort, looking into my eyes, they were almost gloating.  All the while through that rude behavior, she displayed such a soft voice.

"Oh hon, I can give you work.  But it wont count towards your grade."

"What a shock," I murmured under my breath, biting my tongue right after.  Pursing my lips, I looked down for a moment, just nodding.  "Okay, will you tell me why?"

"After doing the terrible things you have, you should be locked away," she scoffed.  "No rights.  Nothing.  It was a disappointment to me personally to see you released from that place.  They should have transferred you to another hospital and finished you off, no offense to your kind.  It would have been a favor to the world.  Because all you do is take up space in my class where someone with an actual future could sit," she scoffed, shaking her head and looked past me to Ramper, pursing her lips as if sympathizing with him.  As if she thought he was on her side.  "I hope you get through these days with little trouble as possible," she told him in a much nicer voice, clearly indicating I'd be ruining Ramper's day.  Not hearing Ramper say anything from behind me, she looked back to me, her face filled with hate again.  "Take the work now or leave, hon," she said, turning around and heading behind her desk, tending to something better than me.

To my kind...?  Take up space...?  Oh how I wish the principal heard that one!  He was so convinced she wasn't as bad as I have claimed.  Staring up at her, I could feel the disgusted look on my face as I watched her.  I didn't move.  I recalled her words about the homework she didn't plan on grading if I did it.  Crossing my arms, I said in a sharp voice, "You wont grade it if I do it?"

"No."

"Alrighty then," I said in a lighter voice.  But I couldn't let it get the best of me.  Obviously, I wasn't going to do shit for that bitch if she wont grade it.  I can't let her get to me though.  I've heard enough hateful things to just let it go over my head.  "Have a nice day, Mrs. Dugan... riding your preacher's cock all day," I said, hinting at what I said before.  How she's probably one of those religious and ignorant people that can't open their eyes.  "I'm sure though if you ever decided to unscrew it from your ass, you might have a better chance at getting a life - and a passport to heaven."

After that, seeing her eyes grow and her stupid mouth drop open, I smirked and shook my head, turning around and walking towards the door with all my things in hand.  Passing by Ramper as his eyes caught mine, they were wide to.  But there was also a smirk on his face.  When I knew he was following me out the door, I swear I thought I heard him chuckle slightly after the shock of it passed.

"I... can't believe she said that to you.  Not that it wasn't true of course," he muttered, offering me credit.  Then trying to hide it, which I wasn't surprised about.  He didn't want to shake his view on me of being this crazy wild chick.  "Even more, what you said to her."  

I rolled my eyes.  "I don't like getting shit rolling like that.  If she starts it though, you can bet I am going to end it on my terms.  And that means firing back at her if it's worth it or not," I said, scowling and glancing up to his blank face as we made our way through the halls.

"That's bullshit," he said under his breath, enough so I could hear him over the obnoxious kids crowding around us.  He was scowling too.  When his eyes caught mine though again, they turned immature once more.  "You're still a crazy ass bitch though."

If my arms were free, I probably would have punched his arm.  "And your a dumb ass loser with no life."

He pursed his lips and snorted at me, not liking what I said and we were back instantly into the usual role with us.  Being so annoyed with each other like little kids.  Amusing?  Maybe.  Did it beat how tightly wound up I felt and irritated?  Not one little bit.

Besides the work I didn't get from Mrs. Asshole, the rest of the work I was getting began to stack up in later hours.  Third and Fourth hour went by smoothly enough; I only got one warning from Mr. Harris - which was actually good considering I was about ready to tackle Ramper to the ground during his class.  Mr. Rush's class went by fast enough too before lunch (it wasn't a hard class) and Ramper actually looked interested enough that he didn't bother to insult me.  But lunch though was interesting.

Both me and Ramper sat down at a table, joined by Natalie, after we got our lunch.  Me and Natalie both were eating pizza and Ramper got a burger, sitting as far away as we could from everyone else.  Close to the wall which was nice and where we always try to sit.  The food today wasn't too bad either, the greasy goodness filling me up as I started to eat.  However, it was when she opened her mouth and started talking that my pizza nearly choked me, I took such a hard breath. 

She looked at me next to her, straining her neck just slightly.  Smirking, she said, "So apparently from what everyone tells me, you and a certain cop are into each other," she said, winking at me and only me.  When she said that, I felt my heart nearly drop out of me.  People knew about me and Luke?

I coughed, quite a bit on my food. I felt a big chunk of it go too far back in my mouth since I took in a hard breath at what she said.   But I cleared my throat enough and managed to swallow.  I turned more towards where she was sitting beside me.  "Fucking elaborate!" I nearly yelled at her once the pizza went down, my heart picking up. 

She smirked.  "Yeah, people have been looking at you and Ramper and they already have it figured you guys are having sex," she shook her head, rolling her eyes. "Christ, people today are so dumb.  I don't understand why everything needs to be a rumor with them," she said to us, serious too about that last part.  But that first part she said purposefully sounded like she was talking about me and Luke.  I glared at her, not happy how she fooled me that way.

It bothered me that she saw there was something there.  Just like Francis.  Always hinting at it, though I never planned on telling her.  However, realizing she was talking about some stupid rumor going around about me and Ramper... not a big deal.  I was use to this shit.  I sighed in relief and when I thought about it after her stupid tricked words, she was right.  That was what I liked about her: we could agree on shit.  Like the fact that everyone here is blind and dumb for the most part, judging and drama driven. 

"God," I shook my head in disgust, looking to Ramper, the guy people apparently think I am 'into.'  "People are sick when they come up with shit like that."

Ramper looked just as disgusted at the idea, the burger in his hands froze, eyes nailed between us in repulsive anger.  Lips tilting down at the thought, his eyebrows rose and he just continued to shake his head, grossed out at the idea.  "You'd have to pay me to have sex with that thing," he said, looking to Natalie as he gestured towards me. 

"Well I should I hope so," I said, grossed out myself after he said that.  I'm sure he was too dumb to realize what he said.

"I mean," he said sharply.  "I wouldn't go near you unless I'm paid serious - serious - money."

I chuckled under my breath, shaking my head before glancing to Natalie, just not understanding why kids are like that.  I sighed.  "Well have you heard anything else about me today?" I asked her, pursing my  lips.  There was always something....  I can only imagine how bad it was today.

"You bet.  You forgot to tell me that you were put into that hospital because you bit your mothers neck.  Also, you didn't tell me that those people attacked you because you didn't deliver their weed on time.  And I don't know how you let it slip by that Ramper here isn't for protection.  Oh no, he apparently is here because he needs to protect people from you.  You're that dangerous now."  All sarcasm, she rolled her eyes and I just felt so disappointed in people.  All the time there was something... my hope is fading that these children will actually grow up one day.  From the adults that give me the same shit, growing up wasn't going to happen to these idiots it looked like. 

Natalie, her bright eyes appealed in mine in sympathy, which I didn't like.  She was concerned I suppose and I couldn't blame her.  I nodded at her words, playing along.  "Oh yeah, sorry I let all that go.  I think I forgot all of that crap myself."

"That's what people are saying about her?" Ramper asked, drawing my eyes back to him.  He looked between Natalie and I, looking skeptical about what she said.

"People are always in need of that bullshit," I said. It was more than true.  "You're a good example," I said after a moment, looking him over with squinted eyes. Because that was true too.

"I don't go around spreading bullshit stories about someone I don't even enjoy to associate with," he hissed.

"And why is that?"

"Because of all the crazy shit you have done!" he said, taking a bite of his burger and chewing almost in anger.  It would have been funny if I wasn't getting pissed off. 

"You find proof of me going 'wild' like you always think. Have credibility before you talk shit."

That shut him up after that.  But he still looked stone faced when his anger faded.  He appeared frustrated and wouldn't continue talking to Natalie and I as we ate the rest of our lunch.  It was interesting really.  This was only Ramper's and my first day going to school together like this.  And I could already see he found some of the things people say or do to be unexpected - even to him who doesn't respect or like me.  Of course, we were back to the same banter as before after lunch.  The both of us began to fight again; it was sad how that was more comfortable between us than actual mature conversation.

"I don't understand why that would be the answer..." he said, looking down to my sheet, seeing what I was writing.  Of course, leave it to dumb-ass to start telling me what I was doing... in Physic's class!  That's the funny part: he was correcting me in a class that was more than easy.  I knew I was right to with what I was doing with the sheet my teacher passed out to work on.

I took a deep breath, needing one badly as I stared down at my paper; it took strength to look at him and not die of horror.  So I slowly glanced up at him, not happy at all.  "It's none of your fucking business!" I hissed in his face after leaning up more towards him, glaring him down and he did the same back.  It was safe to say we got to the point where we were just sick of each other by now.

He kept his face blank, his top lip only moving up as if were about to snarl at me.  Sitting at the table, with being closer next to me than he would be in in a desk, I felt more safe talking back since we were closer.  His eyebrows dipped over his eyes in irritation after that blank face began to dissolve.  "I'm trying... to help out someone who is already mentally challenged enough.  But okay, stubborn ass.  Work it out by yourself," he said, turning more away from me, facing where my teacher sat more behind her desk - and eyed her up a little too, I'll add.  His remark wasn't what kept me staring daggers at him; he as a whole I was pissed at.  I wanted to prove to him how dumb he really is.  "Okay, smarty, what's the answer?"  I asked.  "I'm curious."

"When you consider the speed of the object, the number should be higher than that."

"Well, I think I'm right."

"You're wrong," he chuckled. 

With how confident he sounded, I wanted to crush that.  So on instinct from that, I raised my hand in the air for Mrs. Geraldine to see.  I wanted to know who was right and this was the way to do it.  And a few moments later, she saw me from her desk.  I give Ramper credit for checking her out.  She was pretty, young in her late 20s, had a very elegant face and a sweet smile.  I actually really liked her as one of my teachers, one of the few.  She didn't treat me differently, which I realized was a lot to ask for in this school.  Taking her in behind her desk, she smiled politely, looking to me then glancing to the wierd looking cop next to me as she stood up and started towards our table.

Dressed in a long dark green skirt, grey sweater, she always looked very nice.  Her light eyes and lips welcoming, when she got to my table, I noticed her eyes lingered on Ramper, questioning - who was staring like an idiot again.  Looking to me, she waited and I turned the paper I was working on towards her.

"Do you think you could tell me if this is the right answer?  I just wasn't sure...."

She pursed her lips before she smiled again.  "Yes, that's right," she said.  And just as she was about to head back to her seat - and just as I was about to rub it in dummy's face - she turned back around and said to me. "Oh and don't worry about missing homework.  We've just been reviewing for the most part.  You have to read a bit from the text book but don't worry about it, you'll catch on as we go along."

I smiled.  It was a small weight off the bundle of work I was given today.  "Thank you," I nodded, looking down to my paper again as she began to head back to her desk.  And when I saw she was out of ear shot, I smirked and moved my chair back slightly, turning it to face Ramper, who's cheeks were flushed and his head bowed with a scowl that made me chuckle.  He rested an elbow on the table and pressed his forehead against the palm.  The pose of a failure.

 "'Well, the number should be higher than that!'" I said, trying to imitate his deep but whinny voice, flashing my eyes and teasing him as he didn't even bother to glance over to me. 

"Shut up," he muttered under his breath.  "It still doesn't make any sense to me.  Figures it would to the nutcase."

What the hell was that ever suppose to mean? It didn't make sense.  "Alright, you pouting bitch, I think it's time you got yourself a life.  You don't have one and wont be able to get one when you cant even defend the nonsense you are saying.  Dude, just get laid.  I saw the lunch lady eyeing you up; you can make her league." I said, acting as if I felt sorry for him and patted his back as I turned my chair back and finished up my work. 

***

When the final bell rang... I nearly fell on my knees and cried in joy.  It felt like forever in school with him and I was never so excited to leave school.  Of course then, just as Ramper and I walked out the front doors of the school, you'd think I was free.  I beleived I was and was close to shouting it to the world!  But oh no, my friends.  It was a sad trick because we had a long ride back home and for him to drop me off.  That would be the sad reality for who knows how long.  He goes to school with me, makes, it hell, then the damn ride home... and when I think it's all over... I'll have homework.  Or people trying to kill me (one of the two I was sure). 

However, today was a bit different.  We walked out the front doors, heading towards where his car was parked.  Only when we got there, we had a little surprise....

"Francis?" I asked, seeing him standing outside of his car next to Ramper's.  At first I figured he forgot Ramper was picking me up from now on.  But as I came closer, to where I was standing before him by the hood of the car, I had a better look at him.  He didn't look at all confused when his eyes met mine and smiled.  Glancing to Ramper, he nodded a hello to the asshole too.  Looking into his hazel eyes through his frames, I could see when he looked back to me that he needed to explain a couple things.

I also noticed that someone was in the car with him, in the back.  Looking through the windshield, I noticed a little hand wave at me from where it was straining forward from the back seat.  Confused myself why he was here and with Brooke, I nonetheless waved back and smiled to her before glancing back up to her father, needing to know what was going on.

"Did you forget I was dropping her off from now on?" Ramper asked him.

Francis cocked an eyebrow at the tense cop.  "No, I didn't....  Are you okay?" he asked him, seeming serious.  "It looked like you could blow some steam out your ass," Francis noted, chuckling slightly when he took him in but not in a mean way like I would have said it. 

"Take her for all I care, if that's what you're here for," Ramper said, a lighter note in his voice this time that made me turn on my heels and stare up at him.

"Wow, what a great fucking protector you are!"

"I know who he is though," he said under his breath, looking down.  Rolling my eyes and getting back on topic, I turned more towards where Francis was standing.  His arms were crossed and tucked against his coat, the wind blowing through a little roughly, causing me to put up my hood and move my back more towards the wind. 

Smiling to Francis, happy to see him (even though he was in for a nice ass kicking later for teasing me and Luke) I noticed there was a certain glint in his eye that left me a little worried.  "So what are you doing here?" I asked.

"Well, I didn't forget Ramper was taking you home.  But I am actually here to take you.  Luke wanted me to pick you up and head over to mom and dad's.  He's already there with Shannon."

My eyebrows dipped, wondering why we would go there.  "Why?  What's going on?" I asked, my smiled falling as I searched his face, waiting. 

He sighed, raising a hand to his hair that was being tossed around in the winter air.  Looking down before back up, he galnced between both Ramper and me.  "I'll explain in the car.  But we should go now," he smiled, eyes resting on Ramper.  "You can call Luke if your worried about my motives," he said, chuckling at the absurd idea.  "But if not, me and Albany need to get going."

"Alright," Ramper said, as if he even thought about it.  Just like that too, Ramper left me with Francis and drove away in his car.  And not five minutes later, I was in Francis's car.  Sitting up front with Brooke in the back and my abductor driving out of the school parking lot.  But I wasn't too worried.  I mean, it can't be too bad right?  He didn't seem that nervous, that much in a rush, and Brooke was here.  If something was wrong, she probably wouldn't be involved like this.  That still didn't mean I wasn't interested in knowing why he picked me up. 

"Care to explain?" I asked, warming up with the nice heaters blowing on me.  Looking beside me as Francis turned the wheel and the car out of the parking lot, I saw he didn't look too excited.  From that alone, I eliminated the possibility of more surprise ice skating.  But what then?  His lips were pursed, his eyes not leaving the road.... It wasn't until we were driving along the dirty snowy roads that he took a deep breath and answered. 

"Remember my dad's work?  The first time you met him was when he came back from a long business trip?" he asked, his voice a little sad. 

"Yeah," I nodded, not sure where this was going.  But I remembered after thinking back on it actually.  When I first met Mike, I recall before that happened... Jan telling us to come by and meet everyone now that Mike was back.  As in back in town.  Then when I did meet Mike, Luke was just as excited to see him because the last time he saw his dad at that point was at his wedding.  "He was gone on business right?"

Francis nodded and didn't say anything for a minute.  A smile though slowly reached him.  Just enough to keep me not too worried.  But he didn't say much for a long moment as I waited, just taking him in.  His collar on his grey coat brushing his cheek and hiding the end of his lips, the point that tilted his famous smile up... I was looking for it but his collar blocked it and his eyes were focused on the road.  I was worried now.

"Yeah, he's leaving again," he said, pursing his lips finally.

Ah.  That was it.  I understood right away.  Of course, I knew that it was a sorrowful moment.  To have your dad leave for a long time.  At the same time, I struggled with the whole concept because I never had a father.  Thinking back to what Mike and Jan told me though, and that they could be my parents if I needed, I felt that deep pit in my core start to ache and I knew he was pained.  Everyone will be pained.  I can't even imagine how Jan handles it... being alone in that big house this whole time. Of course, I reminded myself, the pain will all depend on for how long he is gone for. 

"So... how long?"

He sighed.  "That's what we are about to find out," he said, glancing over to me, smiling slightly.  Apparently noticing my facial reaction to his words by the time his eyes reached the road again.  "It's not as bad as it seems.  We're getting together now though because he's leaving soon.  And Brooke," he said, looking in his mirror, smiling to see her in the back seat.  "Has a present she wants to give him before he leaves on his trip, right princess?"

"Right!" her chirpy voice rang from the back.  And though it was clear they were staying positive about it, it was still going to be a sad day.  For me... I knew this would hurt too for me a bit, not just them.  This family really grew on me and I never really realized how much until I began to think about how sad it will be not seeing Mike for who knows how long. 

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Fun chapter for me to write!  It's interesting because I never even planned to involve Ramper like this but I'm glad I did :)