*****
Rap music blared through the two-door coupe car driven by Jenny’s friend, Jerome. Katelyn was glad for the noise so she didn’t have to talk. They drove her to Tim’s house and stayed parked in the street as she knocked repeatedly on the front door. The bass from the car echoed up to the house despite the windows being rolled up. The day threatened to snow even though spring break was only a few days away.
Katelyn tried the doorbell one last time. She turned to see Jen waving at her to get back to the car. Katelyn held up a finger to indicate one more try. Before she turned back to the door, she heard the lock being opened and the door followed. Tim’s mom stood in the opening with one hand on the door and the other on the frame. Her wiry frame didn’t block much, but the expression on her face stopped Katelyn momentarily.
“Is Tim home?”
Tim’s mom appeared to ponder her answer. She never made any real effort at being nice to Katelyn, but she never made an effort to be mean either. His mom had to know what they did in his room in the basement. Katelyn had stayed over many nights, especially this winter when getting out of his bed to go into the cold was too mean of an idea.
Tim’s mom seemed to have just woken up recently, either that or she had a rough night. Katelyn was surprised it was her that answered the door. She worked in a trucking office or something.
“You haven’t heard from him?” Tim’s mom studied Katelyn closely. Katelyn understood now that she had her own form of concerns. “Was he with you? Do you know who Manny is?”
“No, I mean, I don’t know where he’s at.” Katelyn wanted to give her something more. “He won’t answer his phone. I don’t know Manny. Who’s he?” A few seconds of silence followed. Tim’s mom had no intention of answering her. Katelyn looked at her feet. When she looked back up, Tim’s mom’s eyes were looking beyond Katelyn to some understanding she’d reached.
The horn of Jerome’s car broke the trance. His mom shifted her eyes from the car to look straight at Katelyn. “He’s not here.” She gripped the door and leaned forward before she shut it. “He was doing fine. He was doing fine before you.” She leaned her face forward in accusation and then retreated behind the closing door.
Katelyn stood momentarily shocked. How is this my fault? She didn’t have time to think about the answer. The horn blared in an unending noise and finally stopped as she walked down the front steps. Her situation hit her. Katelyn had nowhere to go.
Pick-me-up Page 41