Part 7
Sorry I've taken so long to update.
"Danny, come on. You don't want to be too late for your first class," Don said.
"Why not, it's not as if I want to be here."
Don looked at him. "At least give this a try. You never know you might like it. And if you don't then you can look at your other options." Don knew Danny's story, he'd overheard his father having a conversation with Mac and knew where he'd lived before. He hoped Danny would give it a chance.
They arrived at a classroom, "This is yours, I'm just over there, I'll come back before the end of class and take you to your next one."
"I don't need a babysitter," Danny complained.
"This isn't just for you, every new kid gets this." He opened the door. "Miss Michaels, this is Danny Taylor, he's new." He handed her a note the Principal had given him.
Taylor, the man had given him his name. That surprised him, he'd have thought Mac would want to distance himself from him in case there was trouble.
"Okay Danny, take a seat." She pointed to one by the window.
By lunchtime he had already spoken to many of his classmates and found he actually liked them. And the classes were so different from his last school. They were allowed to discuss things and even disagree with the teacher as long as they had evidence to back up their findings. This was all new to him. At his last school it had mostly been about keeping them under control.
Don walked out with him at the end of the day. "Remember to meet me in the morning. And ask Mac if you can come to baseball practice. Coach said for you to come along. Remember your kit." He ran off to a car.
Mac was standing by his car," You don't have to meet me," Danny said.
"We've got things to get, remember?" He handed Mac a list of books he needed. "Let's go then. What were you and Don talking about?"
"He wanted me to try for the baseball team but I don't think I'll bother."
"I thought you liked baseball." The Mac realised what it was, he didn't have any kit. "We need to get you P.E. kit as well remember. Not just books."
"You don't need to."
"I know. What will you need?" Danny gave Mac a list. "Let's go then."
They spent the rest of the afternoon buying things for Danny. Mac quite enjoyed himself. They had something to eat. He kept looking at Danny to see if he could see anything of himself in the boy but his hair and eye colouring were his mum's. He still hadn't decided when to tell Danny. They were getting on better and he didn't want to frighten him off.
They had lots of parcels when they arrived back at the apartment. Claire was back cooking dinner. "Woops," Mac said.
"What do you mean woops?"
"We had something to eat," Mac said.
"Why do I bother?" she said although Danny could tell she wasn't really mad because her eyes were smiling. "I'll put the rest in the fridge, it'll do for tomorrow. And don't either of you dare eat before you come home." Home, Danny liked that word.
"Wouldn't dare," Mac said. Claire flicked a cloth at him. Danny laughed.
"Do you have any homework?" she asked.
"Some."
"Well clear that table Mac, Danny you sit down and get started. If you get stuck you can ask Mac or I for help." Danny pulled out his new books and set the pad on the table.
"Why do we have to study Shakespeare?" he asked no one in particular, "He doesn't even speak English properly." Claire laughed.
"I think he might say the same about us. What play are you doing?"
"Macbeth."
"The Scottish play. That was one of my favourites. My family are of Scottish descent so are Mac's. It's a great play. Lots of murders."
"You make it sound interesting." Danny opened it and started reading. "What does that mean?" he asked. Claire came over and sat beside him.
"I'll finish your dinner for you," Mac said.
Danny enjoyed working with Claire. She knew such a lot and didn't make him feel like an idiot for asking questions. He even managed to eat some pasta with her when he'd finished.
"Can I go to baseball training tomorrow after school?" he asked after putting his books away.
"Yes. I'll pick you up if you let me know what time."
"I can get a bus you know."
"I'll pick you up."
"Don't you trust me?" Danny asked angrily.
"It's only been one day, Danny."
"Fine." He stomped off to his room.
"That went well," Mac said.
"Don't worry Mac. Today went a lot better than we thought. He seems to like the place."
"I think that has a lot to do with Don Flack."
"I'm glad he's got a friend and a good one."
"I'll just check in on him before bed," Mac said.
He opened the door, Danny was lying in bed reading. "Danny this is going to take time for all of us. Once we're sure you're settled here you can take the bus."
Danny looked up. "Okay. I guess I can understand why."
"Ten minutes and then lights out," Mac said leaving.
Danny didn't really understand how he felt. He had so wanted to hate the High School and all the people there. It would have given him a good excuse for leaving but that hadn't happened. He still thought they were do gooders. And he'd leave when he wanted to.
TBC
