“I washed it in my jeans a few weeks ago and Dad's making me help them setting up shop to earn the money for a new one,” he admitted.
“Sounds fair to me,” Amber nodded.
“I guess so,” Joshua shrugged, “I don't have to see O'Bannon for two days.”
“You might miss the pop quiz,” Amber laughed.
“I can only hope,” Joshua laughed, “Crap, I didn't realize it was already after five. I've got to get home! I'll see you on Friday!”
Amber watched as Joshua pushed open the heavy door with ease and darted away from the building. Once he was out of sight Amber allowed herself to relax. A grin played around her lips and she giggled.
“It's a nice change to feel giddy over someone who actually knows I'm alive,” she laughed.
Chapter Eight
Friday
“My answer is still no, Amber,” her dad said as she walked out the door, “If you want to hang out with this kid, he can come here. You're too young to go to a boy's house alone.”
“What about him? He's not too young to go to a girl's house alone?” she retorted.
“He's not my child,” he said.
“I'm not a kid anymore, Dad, I'm almost sixteen,” Amber sighed.
“I know how old you are,” he sighed, “Amber if he really wants to hang out with you he won't care where it is. If he's not willingly to meet me, you shouldn't even be his friend. It means he has bad intentions. I was a sixteen year old boy once, you know.”
“Yes, I know, Dad, you remember when the leader of your caveman tribe invented the wheel,” she laughed.
“That's the deal, Amber. I'll be home all weekend. If you want to hang out with this new Joshua, invite him over,” he said.
“I will, but only if you promise not to mention Joshua Nelson,” Amber sighed.
“Joshua who?” he asked.
“You know who I… Oh, gotcha! Thanks, Dad,” Amber grinned, “I've got to go or I'm going to miss the bus.”
“Have a good day at school,” he called after her.
“You enjoy your day off!” she said, waving goodbye.
Larry idled the bus and waited for Amber to sprint on board.
“Thanks, Larry,” she panted and slid into her seat.
“Not a problem,” he smiled and pulled back onto the street.
Amber's hands trembled as she counted the stops.
Three more to go.
“Will he be back today?”
Two more to go.
“Should I invite him over?”
One more to go.