It was just another school day at just another school that I would just have to leave soon. As I sauntered from the dull whitewashed walls, I saw Dean leaning against the black, sun heated skin of the Impala. He jerked a thumb over his shoulder – obviously in a hurry to leave. I quickened my pace, not for his benefit but because I was hoping that he had some food in the Impala for me.
Unfortunately, Sarah was still following me from my last class - clumsy, uneven footsteps padding noisily behind me. She was 13 too, but she was still in fifth grade and I had talked to her once so she now followed me everywhere claiming I was her best friend. I thought about just running to the car and jumping in, but I thought better of it and slowed a little so she could catch up despite the increasing annoyance on Dean's face.
Her grin spread from ear to ear and she looked up at me with undeserved reverence.
"You are my best friend!"
I nodded and gave her a grin as I tried to think of an appropriate response.
"Thanks."
We neared the Impala and I tried to avoid Dean's raised eyebrow as he looked down on me from his towering height.
"I have to go, Sarah, I will see you tomorrow."
Sarah nodded and turned to Dean suddenly.
"You have a wonderful son."
Then she walked away.
"Thank you…" I heard him reply as he slowly glanced down at me, an expression on his face that demanded explanation.
I shrugged trying to think of the best explanation for the confusion.
"I guess... you just look old."