364 Kaylee’s Apology (1/2)

Unfortunately the quiz wasn't a joke like the rest of the morning. It was on a book that we were supposed to read over spring break. Noah and I had both read it earlier thanks to being grounded but from the way the class groaned, it was obvious that not everyone had done it.

History was next and instead of a student playing a joke on everyone, it was the teacher. He had flipped all of our desks around to face the back of the class, and then began teaching like it was normal. Throughout the day, some of the teachers came up with little things like that to tease the students. Noah didn't find it funny, but to me it was amusing.

The jokes didn't even stop for lunch. We both sat down at our table outside and opened our bags of food to reveal a bunch of eyes. Mrs. Atkins stuck a pair of googly eyes on everything from my sandwich bag, to my juice, to my chips, to the bag of cookies. She just did it all. I laughed at the creepiness.

”She does the same things every year.” Noah told me. He just ignored the eyes and began to eat. ”Thankfully she's not like Dad who tries to come up with new material every year.”

I wrinkled my nose. ”Yea, I don't think I could handle being woken up by water balloons.” I'd probably die of a heart attack or maybe pee my pants from fright.

Noah laughed. ”I think they could have guessed that. Thankfully they left me out of it too.” He grinned. ”I guess you're somewhat useful.”

”Ha.” I said sarcastically.

Halfway through lunch, Noah stopped talking about baseball. I looked up at him to see him staring pass me. I peeked and saw Kaylee headed our way.

”Let me handle this.” Noah told me, never taking his eyes off her. As she got closer, he spoke up for her to hear. ”If you want to say anything mean, then I suggest you turn back around without a word. I won't hit a girl, but that doesn't mean I'll let you be as rude as your parents.”

Kaylee stopped at the end of the picnic table. She was red in the face and had beads of sweat on the corner of her forehead even though it was nice and cool. ”I just wanted to apologize.”

Why? It's not like she did anything wrong.

”Good. I accept the apology.” Noah answered. I kicked his foot under the table. He looked at me, surprised I would do such a thing.

Fine. If he wasn't going to say it, I will. I cleared my throat and sat up a little straighter. ”It's not like you're the one who said those things. Your parents aren't your responsibility. You are their responsibility.”

Kaylee scratched her arm and avoided eye contact. ”But still. Mom and Dad said some mean things. When they told me what they were thinking about you, I felt angry. I know you aren't...'that'. Noah treats you like a little brother and I see that, but their...” She shifted from foot to foot, unsure of how to explain her parents thoughts and actions.