Chapter 10 Part 1: Stef & Lena Checking Up
Later that day, Lena called Stef during lunch.
Lena asked, "Stef, did you drop off Callie at North East High School?"
"Yep", Stef replied.
"Hmm, so she didn't come clean about that."
Stef asked, "What do you mean, love?"
Lena explained, "Well, when Callie was doing homework with Jude, she mentioned that her favorite teacher was Ms. McMillan, but when I asked her if it was Ella McMillan who works at JFK High School, not North East High, she changed her story. I got suspicious, so I emailed Ella to see if Callie is really in her class, and she is!"
"Surprise, surprise," Stef angrily replied, "that girl is full of lies and evasion."
Lena continued, "Ella also said that Callie's one of her favorite students. She's smart and a talented writer, but Ella thinks she has a rough home life. Callie misses or skips school a lot and that brings her grades down. Ella said that when she asks her about it, Callie tends to disappear for a couple days, so she's been treading lightly because she really doesn't want her to quit school. She said Callie has a lot of potential."
Stef said, "Well, we all agree with that assessment. I just wish Callie would stop lying to us. We could help her."
"I think she's scared, love. Scared that we'll report her. Scared she'll end up in juvie again."
"The streets are a scary place too, babe," Stef replied, "Let's see if she shows up on Wednesday. At least we know what school she's in now. We can track her down if we need to."
Chapter 10 Part 2: Wednesday (Callie's POV)
It's Wednesday, and I know that Stef will probably hunt me down if I don't show up. So, I skip my last period and take the bus to Jude's school. Jude's so happy to see me. I haven't thought about how to get out of my web of lies on Sunday, so this might be the last time I see him for awhile. We walk back to his house together.
Lena comes home a little after us and asks if she can talk to me privately. I can tell Jude doesn't want to leave me, but he squeezes my hand and goes upstairs. I'm wondering what now? Have they reported me?
Lena asks me to sit down by her and says, "Callie, I emailed Ella McMillan, and she confirmed that you are in her English class at JFK High School and one of her favorite students. Why did you lie to us about where you go to school?"
My stomach drops again. Wow, these women are good detectives. Lying has become a way of self preservation for me, and I really thought I was good at it. But they keep uncovering them one by one.
"Um, I'm not sure," I finally say. I don't know where to look. I can't look Lena in the eyes.
Lena calmly remarks, "I can guess why. I think you didn't want us to be able to track you down because you thought we would report you."
I look down and nod. "I'm sorry, Lena. I didn't want to lie to you, but I was scared that I'd end up back in juvie, so I was trying to cover up my tracks." I'm trying very hard not to cry.
Lena puts her hand on mine and says, "No more lies, okay? We're on your side."
"Okay," I say. But inside, I'm shaking, and I just want to escape.
No one's on my side. That's ridiculous.
I excuse myself to go the bathroom and secretly grab my backpack on the way. I open the bathroom window and jump out into the garden. I run all the way to the bus stop. I'm in full panic mode and can't seem to calm myself down.
I realize that I didn't even say goodbye to Jude, but I can't go back now.
I'll have to drop out of school. I can't go to classes worrying that they could report me at any time, now that they know exactly where I am during the day. I feel worried and anxious but also very sad and alone.