My Hurricane (The Truth Series Book 0)

by Owenby, J. A.

  “All right, and here’s my home phone number if you need anything.”

  “Aunt Linda is with us too, but I’ll keep it just in case,” I said as I shoved her business card into my front pocket.

  “Sounds good.”

  I gave her a small wave as I exited the room. I nodded at Ms. Johnson before I walked through the swinging door, out of the office, and into the hallway. I needed to find James before he settled in for lunch.

  I scanned the area by his locker, but I didn’t see him. I really didn’t want to go into the lunchroom, but I had to find him. He’d wonder what had happened, and I couldn’t let him think Mom had passed away.

  “Walker?”

  I froze then slowly turned toward the voice.

  “What are you doing?” Brittany asked.

  “I’m looking for James,” I said, adjusting my backpack.

  “I haven’t seen him yet. Do you want to sit with us? We miss you.”

  I laughed. “Seriously? No. No, I don’t want to sit with you. I need to talk to James, then I have some business to take care of.”

  “I heard,” she whispered.

  My shoulders stiffened. “Who told you?”

  “Brandon.”

  “Fucking figures. Have any of you considered it’s not your secret to share? Did it ever cross your minds? No, of course it didn’t, because you don’t ever think about anyone other than yourselves.” I shook my head and walked away.

  “Walker, stop, please,” she said.

  I ignored her and kept going into the cafeteria. I spotted James and tapped him on the shoulder. He grabbed his food and jumped up, so we hurried out the side door where I knew there weren’t many people. I tossed my backpack on the ground and inhaled the crisp cold air.

  “Guess it didn’t snow today, huh?” I asked.

  “Dude, where you been? I’ve been worried sick.”

  “Everything’s okay. I stayed with Mom until Aunt Linda could get some errands taken care of this morning. But I just talked to the school counselor, and I have permission for late arrival and early release. Some days I’ll just stay at home and work on my assignments. As long as I keep my grades up, the rest of the year will look like this. I don’t want you to freak out about it.”

  “I totally was! Well, I’m glad they're supportive. But you’ve gotta call me if something happens.”

  “How? You’ll be here at school.”

  “Shit, you’re right,” he said, frowning.

  “I don’t know. Call the office and ask them to give me a message. Ya know, the world isn’t well or something.”

  “Dude, you sound like a girl, sorta clingy right now.”

  “Fuck you,” he said, laughing. “I do, don’t I? I just don’t know what to do. I was totally freakin’ out when you weren’t here this morning.”

  “I know, that’s why I came to find you. You’re a good friend.”

  “You’d do the same.”

  “Always.”

  I glanced around the school parking lot. It was quiet except for us. It was too cold for anyone else to be outside.

  “Did you see that?” I asked, grinning. “A big ass snowflake. There comes another one.”

  James stepped out from the entryway and stood there like an idiot, smiling as the flakes fell faster.

  “Shit, I gotta get these papers signed and then go get Garrett. I can’t afford to be stuck in shitty weather for hours.”

  “All right, call me tonight then.”

  “Thanks,” I said.

  Chapter 11

  The next several months passed by quicker than I thought they would. Aunt Linda had worked overtime with the contractors to get the renovations finished upstairs. From the circles under her eyes, she was as exhausted as the rest of us were.

  I’d gotten Garrett and myself into a good routine with Mom. I was keeping my grades up and able to do half of my classes from home. It helped Aunt Linda take on work part time too.

  Mom was getting worse. She’d lost a drastic amount of weight and could rarely hold a full conversation without multiple coughing fits. She was pale, and her appetite wasn’t any bigger than she was. My heart ached every morning as I bolted out of bed to check on her, but I’d gotten better about it and didn’t let her know I was looking in on her. I’d stand outside her door and watch for the rise and fall of her frail chest.

  I grabbed my backpack and patted Garrett on the back. “You ready, champ?”

  “Yeah, last few weeks of school. I can’t wait to get out of there,” he said as I closed the front door behind us.

  “I feel the same way, but then we’ll be home a lot. I’ll try to take you to friends’ houses to hang out, but I’m assuming you realize no one can come over.”

  “James does,” Garrett said, getting into the car.

  “He’s helping, not being loud and wrestling.” I started the car and pulled out of our driveway.

  “Is Mom going to make it to your graduation?” he asked softly.

  “I hope so, but I don’t know for sure. She’s so weak.”

  “She’ll get there. I know she will.”

  We rode in silence the rest of the way.

  * * *

  The kids had finally stopped whispering and staring at me. Brittany had certainly given them plenty to talk about. First, it was her abortion, then our breakup, then word got around really fast about Mom. No one ever said anything directly to me, but their faces said it all. Most were kind, sympathetic, but the last thing I wanted from anyone was pity. I wasn’t sure how, but we would make it through. I just had one last piece to figure out.

  The bell rang, and I hurried to meet Mrs. Juniper for our weekly check-in.

  “Did you bring some food?” she asked, closing her door behind me.

  “I have a sandwich.”

  “Well, get it out. You’re welcome to eat while we’re going over your progress.”

  I nodded as I reached into my backpack and grabbed my lunch. My stomach growled in agreement.

  “What are you eating for dinner? You seem to have dropped some weight.”

  “It’s hard to get to the grocery store sometimes, so it’s grilled cheese sandwiches with chips or vegetables. Whatever we have,” I said between bites.

  “I’m sure the stress has something to do with it.”

  “It helps having Aunt Linda upstairs. She’s lived in the apartment for about two weeks now. When I’m home, she takes patients. You know she’s a therapist?” I asked before I took a drink of my soda.

  “You hadn’t mentioned that. I’d love to meet her sometime.”

  “You’d like her. She’s pretty amazing. I know this whole thing is super hard on her too. I mean, they’re sisters. And Aunt Linda’s carrying most of it. She gets Mom to and from doctor appointments and stuff.”

  “It’s a family effort. Your aunt couldn’t do all those things if she had to worry about your younger brother. How’s he doing?”

  I shrugged. “He’s thirteen. He’s not taking it well. I don’t even know where he’s going to live. The plan is that he’ll stay with Aunt Linda and me, but neither of us is a legal guardian. The upside is that our dad hasn’t been around for years, so I doubt he even knows Mom is sick.”

  Mrs. Juniper glanced at me as she reviewed my assignments. “Everything looks good.” She leaned back in her chair. “How are things with Brittany?”

  I stopped mid-chew. “Uh, well, nonexistent. I’ve hardly thought about her honestly.”

  “You haven't?”

  “No, I’ve been busy with Mom.”

  “Walker, you need to process. It’s important. Things have a funny way of catching up with us when they are left unresolved.”

  “I’m resolved. She played dirty, she got dumped,” I said, shoving my sandwich baggy back into my bag.

  “I understand, but y’all were together for three years, and she really hurt you. Just be careful.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” I stood and gathered my papers from her. “Thanks, Mrs.
Juniper.”

  “See you in a few days, Walker.”

  * * *

  Spring was my favorite season, but today was special. I made sure I had everything I needed and walked to Mom’s room.

  “Garrett and I are about to leave,” I said.

  “I’m so sorry,” Mom said, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I can’t believe I’m missing your graduation.”

  I sat on the edge of her bed as her coughing fit worsened and I rubbed her back. “Mom, it’s okay.”

  She wheezed as she lay back on her pillows again.

  “I know Aunt Linda will be here with you, but do you need anything?”

  “I’m so proud of you. You’ve grown into such an amazing young man. I love you so much,” she whispered.

  “I love you too, Mom.” I leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I’ll come straight home, okay?”

  “No, honey, go out tonight with the other kids.”

  “Well, first I have Garrett, and second, I don’t want to. I’ll see you in a little while.”

  I stood and left her room, my shoulders slumped forward as the heaviness settled around me. Mom was too sick to watch me walk across the stage and get my diploma. I’d been so excited about this day, but nothing seemed to matter anymore. Nothing else other than Mom.

  “Let’s go, sport. I can’t be late,” I said, holding open the front door for him.

  We arrived just in time for me to find my place in line. I’d only walked through the practice once, but it seemed pretty straightforward. They’d call my name, I’d step forward. I peered through the curtain behind the stage at all the families out there. My throat closed as I struggled to keep my shit together. Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought Mom and Aunt Linda wouldn’t see me graduate.

  I sighed as my name was called. I straightened my shoulders and entered the stage. I took my diploma from the principal’s hand, moved my tassel to the other side, and froze. The entire audience was on their feet, clapping. I swallowed hard as I scanned the crowd. Hundreds of people were standing for me.

  “Walker,” the principal said, “we have a surprise for you tonight, son.”

  “What?” I asked, shocked.

  “On behalf of the school, I’d like to present you with a full scholarship. We can get down to the particulars later, but you have excelled this year when life delivered a lot of challenges. You’ve kept your grades up, shown courage, and wisdom. Good job, son.”

  My mouth hung open as the applause grew to a deafening level. I stepped forward and received the piece of paper he handed to me. “Thank you, sir.”

  I held it up and smiled. It was the right thing to do, but in my heart, I knew I wouldn’t be using it. I’d talk to Mrs. Juniper and return it before she left for the summer.

  I walked down the steps, my brain foggy, and took my place next to my fellow graduates. I stared ahead and watched my classmates continue across the stage. My heart sank as Brittany, Brandon, and James received their diplomas. How had things gotten so fucked up? How was I standing here alone?

  Stress has a funny way of manifesting. I felt as though I was watching TV instead of being at my own high school graduation. Nothing felt real, just empty. I felt empty.

  We tossed our caps in the air, and I stood rooted to my spot as everyone filed out of the row and hugged their families. Tears threatened my eyes. It was time to go.

  I moved past all the people and stepped into a quiet hallway. My breath came in short bursts as if I’d just run a marathon. I rubbed my face with my hands, leaned against the wall, and squeezed my eyes closed, struggling to keep the tears at bay.

  “Walker,” Brittany said, approaching me.

  “What do you want?”

  “Baby,” she said as she wrapped her arms around me.

  The smell of her apple-scented shampoo filled my nose. My heart pounded. Jesus, I missed her. I missed being close to her, even with all the shit she’d done. Maybe that made me stupid, but there was only so much I could take.

  Before I realized what I’d done, I’d wrapped my arms around her and pulled her to me.

  I couldn’t stop the ache in my chest as tears slid down my face and into her hair. I’d lost everything that was important to me, and watching Mom die was a slow death for me too. I wasn’t sure I was going to make it.

  “Baby, it’s okay. I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I’m here.”

  I clung to her with everything inside me.

  “Let’s go,” she said, pulling on my hand.

  I wiped my tears and remembered that Garrett was with James. He was safe, and I needed this.

  I followed Brittany down the hallway and into the janitor’s closet. She locked the door behind us.

  “Let it go for a few minutes, okay?” she asked as her fingers trailed my face.

  I nodded. She unzipped my graduation gown and placed it on a box of cleaning supplies. She held my gaze as she stood on her tiptoes and kissed me. Heat traveled through me, and I was hard in a mere second. I grabbed her waist and pulled her into me as I deepened our kiss.

  “I’ve missed you,” she said as she fumbled with my jeans. She slid her hand into them and wrapped her fingers around my dick. I moaned into her mouth.

  “I’ve missed you too,” I muttered between kisses.

  I allowed myself to mentally check out as I entered her. Nothing else existed—not Mom dying, not Brittany cheating. For the moment, I could forget all the shit in my life.

  After we finished, Brittany kissed me gently. “You worked up a sweat, baby.” She wiped my forehead.

  I attempted a smile and hugged her. “I have to find Garrett.”

  “I’ll go with you?”

  I nodded as we adjusted our clothing then cracked open the janitor’s door. The hall was clear. She grabbed my hand as we slipped into the hallway undetected.

  It only took a few minutes to locate Garrett. His jaw clenched as he saw Brittany with me, holding hands.

  “Hey, sport, you ready? We need to get home.”

  He shot Brittany a dirty look, then he aimed one at me. My chest tightened. I knew how he felt about her, but right now, none of that mattered.

  “Give me a second,” I said. I led Brittany a few feet away. “I have to get back to Mom.”

  “I understand. Call me tonight?”

  “I’ll try.” I kissed her. “I’ll try.”

  Several minutes later, Garrett and I slipped into the car.

  “Dude, what the fuck?”

  I grabbed the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white. The one thing I’d sworn not to do, I had done. I’d let Garrett down.

  “Not now,” I said firmly.

  “No, we talked about this. What the hell was that? Are you back together? Do not let her come over! Don’t be a fucking dick again, Walker!”

  I let the engine run while he was yelling. I was too emotional to drive us safely home anyway.

  “Answer me.”

  “I don’t have an answer for you,” I muttered as I rubbed my jaw.

  “Not good enough. Even though Mom is sick, you’ve been an awesome big brother, and I can’t stand to lose you too. Not to Brittany.” Garrett sniffled and turned to stare out the passenger window.

  “I’m struggling too. I’m trying. I’m trying so fucking hard to keep our family together. To make sure that you’re fed, homework is done, that you go to your friends’ houses and be a kid for a little while. I graduated, and I wasn’t sure that was going to happen. But, man, I’m alone with all this. I lost Brittany and Brandon at the same time. My heart fucking broke with Mom’s and Brittany’s news. And tonight, when Mom and Aunt Linda couldn’t see me walk across the stage…Brittany found me and… it just happened. I’m sorry you got hurt, sport. I really am.”

  Garrett refused to look at me as he brushed the tears from his cheeks. “I want to go home and see Mom.”

  “Okay.”

  I shifted my car into drive and pulled out of the parking lot. I was ready to go h
ome too.

  Chapter 12

  It was strange not getting up and going to school. I wasn’t sure what to do other than take care of Mom and Garrett.

  Since I’d graduated, Aunt Linda had taken on more patients, which helped with the bills. I’d also picked up a part-time job as a lifeguard. At least it got me out of the house for a while. My boss was cool about the schedule and worked with me when I needed to trade shifts. It made it easier to make sure that Mom wasn’t alone—or alone with just Garrett.

  Garrett hadn’t spoken to me for almost a week. Brittany had called multiple times, but I’d refused to take her calls. Garrett’s reaction had reminded me that I had bigger things to take care of than deal with her. I’d fucked up, literally. I knew it when it happened, but at the time, she was there and I needed her. For once, it had been about what I needed. Call me a selfish douchebag. I was.

  I knocked on Garrett’s door. “Come on out, sport.”

  His door cracked open, a single eye peering out at me.

  “I’ve had enough. We’re going to talk.”

  Garrett didn’t move.

  “Now,” I said firmly.

  He walked out of his bedroom, and we went outside. Mom didn’t need to hear anything. We sat at our table underneath Mom’s favorite oak tree.

  “It’s over, sport. I’ve not responded to Brittany. We’re not getting back together. I heard you.”

  Garrett peered up at me. “You’re not?”

  “No, she caught me at a weak moment.”

  “It won’t happen again?”

  “No. I’m done. I just needed you to know that.”

  He studied my face for a second then nodded. “Thanks.”

  “For what?”

  “Listening. I know it’s hard on you, but I’m glad you’re here.”

  I glanced at the ground. My chest tightened, but I couldn’t tell him until my plan was firmed up. “Thanks for telling me.” I stood and squeezed his shoulder. “Aunt Linda is home, and I need to run some errands. I’ll be back in a while. Why don’t you see if Kyle is available to hang out later?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I can take you over after I get back.”