The bell rang.
I stood up and stepped out of the classroom, walking down the hall toward my locker.
I put in the combination, then opened the door and set my books inside.
I closed the door to see Melissa standing next to me.
"Hey, Mel."
"Hey, Jackson. You wanna hang out after school?"
"I can't."
"Why not?"
I quickly thought up an excuse. "Homework."
"We could work on homework together."
"I'm sorry, Mel. But I can't."
"Oh." She looked down, disappointed.
I sighed. "How about I call you when I'm finished?"
Her head lifted, showing a smile. "You promise?"
"Yeah."
"Okay. Bye, Jackson." She walked toward her car.
I sighed, heading for the bus stop.
"Cody, put this plate in the sink."
"Yes, sir." I pushed myself off the couch and headed toward my father. I picked up the empty plate that lay in front of him, walked toward the counter, and set it into the sink.
When I was done, I turned around. "Could I please use the phone, sir?"
He looked at me. "What do you need to use the phone for?"
"To call my friend, sir."
"Did you finish your homework?"
"I didn't have any, sir."
"Chores?"
I pulled the list from my back pocket, reading it. I've completed twelve out of sixteen chores.
I sighed. "No, sir."
"Well, I guess you better get to it, then."
"But, sir, I promised I'd-"
"Cody!"
I immediately got quiet.
"Finish your chores. I shouldn't have to raise my voice at you."
"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir."