Chapter 2
'Susieeeeeeee!' My blood boiled as I heard Dopey calling for me in his sing songy, I-know-you-hate-it-when-I-call-you-this kind of tone. I slipped into my flip flops, grabbed my book bag, flung my door open, and then bounded two at a time, down the stairs. Dopey was standing near the door, swinging his bag over one shoulder, with a smirk on his face. I came pretty close to giving him a good punch in the stomach, but then decided it wasn't worth it. Andy, my step dad came around the corner, out of the kitchen and said, 'You kids better get moving, or you'll be late for school.' Dopey pulled the keys from his jean pocket and dangled them in front of my face, still smirking. I just rolled my eyes, pushed him out of the way and reached for the handle of the screen door. Dopey was still throwing the fact that he got his license before me and now had most control over the car in my face. Usually, I wouldn't take this much of a beating from him before he'd been slugged in the stomach, but this morning was different, after last night, I mean, I was pretty cheerful, all things considered.
I walked into The Mission Academy with a smile on my face, yea, that's right, a smile. I could tell today was going to be absolutely great. Maybe it was women's intuition, or maybe even some crazy mediating skill- But I could definitely sense a feeling of contentment lingering in the air today.
I was completely make-upless, since I'd been rushed out the door by my stepbrother, so I headed straight for the lady's room-first thing to do some serious beautifying. I walked in, casually unzipping my Dooney & Bourke handbag to retrieve my eyeliner and lip gloss. 'Whoa…' I said, surprised at what I saw when I looked up from the contents of my bag. I was shocked to see Cee Cee, of all people, sitting on the counter, bawling her eyes out. 'Oh my gosh- Cee Cee, what's wrong? Why didn't you call me?' I still was totally unaware at what she would have said if she'd called me, but I just assumed that if something was upsetting her, she would have given me a quick ring, at the least. 'I only found out this morning, Suze.' Cee Cee explained, trying to stifle a sob, 'It's Adam.' And then all of a sudden a whole array of colorful words filled my brain, and all I could think was that something or someone had done something to him. Any normal person might assume that maybe his dog died or something, but not me- I'm always running into bloodthirsty ghosts and murderers, so that's what popped into my head, first thing. I knew that whoever had done something to Adam was going to pay- big time. I could feel my fists clenching and my cheeks heating up. 'Suze, he's transferring schools.' She finally declared, tears still streaming down her colorless face. I know this sounds totally terrible, but the moment she said transferring- my heart began to beat again and I heaved a huge sigh of relief. Adam was okay, he was just going to be going to a different school than Cee Cee and me. Knowing how much Adam meant to Cee Cee, I tried to calm her down a little, 'Cee Cee, are you sure about all this? I mean, did Adam tell you himself?' She fluttered her wet eyelids, and looked up, into my sympathetic eyes, 'His parents, Suze, they got a divorce…And now he has to go to stupid Carmel Valley High, without us! His mom is moving over there.' His parents got a divorce? That really sucks. Maybe I should talk to him, I wonder, I mean, I know what it's like losing a parent was all that went through my mind when Cee Cee mentioned the whole divorce thing. 'Um…OK. Wow. Is he alright about it? I never met his parents, but is he close to them?' I asked, a little boggled by the whole thing. 'He seems alright, I suppose. He was never too close with his dad, and that's why he's going to Carmel Valley, where his mom is getting an apartment.' Cee Cee was a lot calmer now, but still looked a little shaken. 'Alright, well, we'll still be able to hang out with him, just not in school. And, besides- you still got me.' I nudged her shoulder a little, trying to cheer her up, but she just shrugged and said, 'Thanks, Suze, thanks for listening to me.' Then she leaned over and hugged me. It was a little awkward, having never had such a sentimental moment with Cee Cee, but it was sweet, I guess. I gave her a quick squeeze then slid off of the spot on the counter, next to her. I'd never gotten a chance to put on that eyeliner I desperately needed, but it was okay, there were always hall passes.
'Father D, did you hear about Adam's parents? They aren't together any more.' I said, twisting a paperclip into the shape of a mangled heart, 'Yes, I have actually. It really is rather unfortunate for poor Adam. Have you spoken with him since the whole ordeal took place?' Father Dominic sounded interested, and a little disappointed. 'No, I haven't. But Cee Cee has, and she's really upset. Poor thing.' I answered, standing up from the desk chair I'd been whirling around on. 'Yes. I wonder if there's anything the school can do for the family. The role models some of the children at The Mission are encouraged to follow are appalling. Will you let me know, Susannah, if they need anything?' Father D asked, in a very sincere tone. 'Yea, sure, Father D,' What was I saying? I didn't know Adam's family any more than the next guy, how would I know if they needed anything? 'I'll let you know. But, what are you talking about? What influences?' I asked, curiously. 'Oh, I just assumed that you knew, Susannah. The cause of the divorce was quite tragic, really.' He explained, hesitantly. 'Tragic? What do you mean?' Okay, so I was totally confused now. Thanks, Father D. 'Susannah, I am afraid I don't feel comfortable telling you any more. I would prefer you ask Cee Cee, or Adam himself.' Oh, great- Again, thanks, Father D. 'Ugh…OK.' I agreed frustrated. I'd gotten used to Father Dominic's morals, but they still got to me at times. Now, for the rest of the day,I'd be thinking about what Father D had meant when he had said 'tragic.' Pfft, priests. I held out my hand, and Father Dominic placed a hall pass in it, knowingly. I zipped out his office door and towards the lady's room to put on my much needed make-up.The day had taken a drastic turn for the worst, and now I was left to work it all out on my own.