Natalie writes in her usual cursive, notes inside her binder. She bites her lip, walking out after the bell rings, signaling the end of the school day.
Henry waits at the bus port, sitting on a concrete divider, "Did you take the long way around?"
"I saw you through the window." Natalie motions to the large row of windows, "It's not really a surprise."
"I haven't seen you around...you've been absent a lot or something?"
She shrugs, walking quickly and tugging her bookbag to her shoulder more, "Mom is home and...I've been taking care of her."
"Like the last time? Does she remember you?"
"It's not like that."
"Then what is it?" Henry tilts his head to the side, "I mean, it can't be worse than having your brain shocked, right? She didn't remember anything...even thought I was your brother, remember that?" He shrugs, "I felt bad for her...felt bad for you too."
"No." She sighs, shaking her head, "Nothing like that."
"Then what is it?" He motions to his car, "Come on, I'll take you home. Didn't drive all the way here for nothing."
"We live down the street."
"Even better." He smiles, "Come on."
Natalie gives him a look, then walks with him, "Your car is total shit, you know."
"It gets me from point A to point B. I can't ask for much more...and I can smoke at the park without getting caught."
"You can smoke at home without getting caught."
Henry smiles, "True. Very true, but.."
"I can walk." Natalie nods again, walking away from him.
The young man sighs, throwing his hands up, watching her.