Ch. 5

The next few weeks fall into a pattern of sorts. We work in our boots traipsing the stairs every day, we spend an hour or so tending to the plants in the greenhouse, then work on English and other assignments. I'd like to say that we all bonded and became great friends in that amount of time, but I'd be lying.

I've been very careful about watching Tom, interacting with Tom, doing anything with Tom. I really don't want to have any trouble, and he's good at picking fights. Because we are both in the senior class, we are thrown together a lot more often than I'm comfortable with, but at the same time, I like getting to know him better. Or at least what little of himself he gives away.

Everyone else is a little more transparent, more open. I mean all of us have things to hide, but everyone has at least gotten to trust each other a little more. Nicole hasn't come to class stoned again, Kyle actually seems to be repentant about his brush with expulsion last year, Kent finally told us he was in AA as part of his probation, and lots of other little things, but not Tom. He was still an enigma, and I tried not to make it obvious that I puzzled over him.

Our first trip is two nights of winter camping and we spend most of the week before planning and preparing. We make menus and do a class trip to the grocery store, walking to the one up the street from the school. Lists of clothes and supplies are discussed, and then it's the day before we go.

"Okay class," Ms. Francis puts on her serious face. "Tomorrow you are all expected to have your packs full and ready, your winter gear on, and everything taken care of. We are trusting you not to bring any contraband items. Some of you have already had drug and alcohol related charges. Please don't risk expulsion or violate our trust."

"Now go home and get a good night's sleep," Mr. Sway smiles at us as we exit the portable. I am actually pretty excited.

..................

I know my mom knew I'm going away tomorrow. I told her, but for whatever reason she doesn't even come home. I shouldn't really be surprised. It's not really like I wanted to have a conversation with her or anything, but it would be nice to know that she at least cares about me. Packing my bag is a quiet, solitary act, and I look over my small pile of clothes to make sure that I have enough layers and things to stay warm. The weather report looks pretty good, not too much below freezing, and it's not expected to snow for the time we're away, so I should be okay.

...................

"Thanks again, Mr. Rennet," I say swinging my pack into the back of their pickup.

"Oh, now, Justin, you know you can call me Tim, and it's no problem. I'm just glad you're going along to help keep Kyle out of trouble. You always did have a good head on your shoulders."

"Thanks a lot, Dad," Kyle grumbles, grinning at me as I climb into the backseat. "Here, take this." He passes me a coffee.

"Wow, curbside pick up and a beverage. You're awesome." I take a big gulp of the coffee because I didn't get much breakfast this morning.

"Your mom already gone to work?" Kyle asks, noting the empty drive way.

"One of her exes sold our car, remember? But, no, she just didn't come home last night."

"Are you worried?"

"She's got a new boyfriend, so I guess not." But I was worried a little bit.

Apparently food was a problem in most people's homes this morning because before we board the bus for trip, Barbara has breakfast for us in the caf. Eggs, toast, oatmeal and juice are set before us.

"Eat up. This is the last meal you won't have to make for awhile, and the last one indoors, too," Barbara laughs as she hands out the plates.

Tom grabs a ladle and gives himself a large serving of eggs.

"Hey, leave some for the rest of us," Kent complains.

"I don't know about your place, but food isn't really available at mine, so fuck off."

"Oh, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed," Kyle taunts.

"Seriously, screw off," there's a warning in Tom's voice and his eyes are cold.

I don't want people fighting and if Tom needs food that badly, maybe he should have it. No one's really sure what his home situation is like but I gather it can't be great. "Just leave him alone. It's too early for this, guys."

"When I need your help, I'll fucking ask for it, 95." Tom shoots me a dirty look, then stalks off to the end of the table, taking his food with him.

I look down embarrassed and keep quiet for the rest of the morning. I just wish things were different, that he didn't hate me quite so much.