Disclaimer: I own nothing and no-one.

I opened the door and went in. Home at last. I dropped my bag on the floor and walked into the living room.
"Hi, mom!" I called, cheerfully. "What's for dinner?"
I heard a groan, and looked down. My mom was lying on the couch.
"`What's for dinner?`" she slurred.
Oh no, I thought. She's drunk again. Looks like I'll have to go hungry again
I wasn't that bothered, though. I'd lived with her for years, and so I was used to it. She was getting worse, lately, and I was slightly worried. I decided the best thing I could do at the minute was to get out of there. I ran to the hall, picked up my bag and went outside. I got on my skateboard, and went to one of the few places I knew I'd always be welcome.
Freddy answered the door, looking like he'd just got out of bed. I remembered, he'd been off sick today. I made an excuse up, so it looked like I hadn't forgotten.
"Hi, Freddy!" I greeted him. "Feeling better?"
He smiled, looking like he was genuinely pleased to see me. At the sight of that smile my heart flopped. I'd had a crush on him since third- grade, and he'd never known. Only Summer knew, my best friend.
"I came to bring you this!" I said, and rummaged around in my bag, hoping there was something there I could give to him. I found some candy that I'd got at recess, and not eaten.
"Here you go!" I smiled, and handed them to him. He grinned.
"My favorites! Thanks, Katie!"
Phew, I thought.
"Um, got to go now, Freddy. See you later!"
He beamed, and shut the door.
I hopped on my skateboard, and headed off to Summer's.