Forever Changed

“You just need some pointers. I can help you out with that,” he said, handing over my bag. “I’ll see you in fifteen minutes?” he asked, checking the military-style watch he wore.

“Yep, I just need to drop my junk off at home,” I said, feeling more reluctant to leave than necessary, given the fact that I would be seeing him again in a few minutes.

He seemed equally reluctant as he slowly closed my car door for me.

In less than five minutes, I was at my house and heading up to my room. I detoured outside Megan’s door, feeling guilty for leaving her a second night. “Hey, Peanut,” I said, stepping into her room.

Her eyes brightened and she dropped her book so she could give me a hug.

“What are you reading?” I asked, bending down to scoop up her book.

“Oh, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. I love this book,” I said, ruffling her hair.

“Where’s Mom?”

She pointed toward Mom’s room.

“Thanks kiddo, I’m going out tonight, but maybe we can do something special tomorrow, like bake cookies,” I said, recalling my meeting with Mrs. Leighton.

She nodded happily before resuming her book again.

Feeling not so guilty, I headed down the hall to tell Mom I was going out.

I knocked on her door lightly.

“Come in,” she said.

I pushed the door open and found her sitting on the chaise lounge in her room with her laptop open.

“What’s up?” I asked, indicating the computer.

“Christmas shopping,” she said, pasting a bright smile on her face. “I’ve decided I would go the Internet-shopping route this year.”

“Good plan,” I said, seeing through her false gaiety. Like everything else, Christmas shopping was something her and my dad had enjoyed doing together. It was the one time of the year that I didn’t give my typical attitude over babysitting Megan, since I always knew it was something I would profit from. Shame welled up inside of me as I remembered all the times I flat-out refused to babysit.

“It’ll do,” she said, closing the laptop. “So, what are you up to?”

“I’m going out for a few hours if that’s okay?”

“That’s fine. Anyone I know?”

I shook my head.

“Do I need to be concerned?” she asked, walking down new territory. I had hung out with the same group of kids for years, so she never had to give it a second thought before.

“No, it’s cool. It's just some kids from school,” I fibbed, giving the false impression I was hanging out with more than one individual.

She looked at me critically for a moment before answering. “Okay, but keep you cell with you at all times.”

“Deal,” I said, heading for the door.

“And home by eleven,” she added before I could make a clean getaway.

“What? Eleven. It used to be midnight,” I complained.

“That’s when I knew exactly who you were hanging out with. When this mystery person wants to come by and meet your mom, then you’ll get that hour back,” she said, making it clear I hadn’t fooled her.

“Whatever.” There's an hour I was never getting back. I went to close the door behind me, but headed back in to give her a kiss on the cheek. “Love you Mom,” I said grudgingly.