WE DO NOT OWN THE BREAKFAST CLUB. SHOUTOUT TO POPPY471.
Monday. April 9, 1984, Standish Family Home
The minute Luke opened the front door, he swept me up in an enthusiastic hug. He got the job! I couldn't wait for him to tell Daddy. Which he did, over dinner. As I expected, Daddy was pleased.
"Congratulations, Luke. There is nothing as rewarding as working hard and being compensated."
Luke ducked his head shyly, but I could tell he was happy to get some approval from my father.
"Thank you, sir."
I perked up with a sudden idea. "Daddy, when I get my driver's license, I can pick Luke up from work, right?"
"Of course, sweetheart."
"When will you take me to the DMV for my test?"
"Study hard this week and we can go Thursday afternoon," my father answered. I beamed at Luke.
After dinner, as we arranged ourselves at the kitchen table to do our homework, Luke said, "Allison is feeling pretty down, and I think you can cheer her up."
I was all prepared to do whatever I could to help my new friend. "What's wrong? What can I do?"
"Well... " Luke launched into his explanation. "She's afraid you agree with your parents about her being scum and is feeling pretty bad about herself right now."
"Oh no!" I felt bunched up inside at the idea of Allison being so hard on herself. "I'll tell her. First thing tomorrow, I'll tell her she's wrong, that she's an awesome friend, and that I don't care what my parents think."
Luke's expression lightened and he gave me a kiss.
Tuesday. April 10, 1984. Shermer High School. Clarendon Hills, Illinois.
True to my word, I made a beeline for Allison's locker first thing in the morning. When I said hello, Allison didn't lift her head, just kept twirling her combination lock. I bumped my hip against hers to make her look up.
"Hey, you don't believe that stuff my parents said?" I asked. "You don't think I agree, do you?"
She gave me a small sideways glance.
"Because they're wrong," I continued. "I don't agree. You're still my best friend."
"I'm your best friend?" she asked, out of the corner of her mouth, sneaking a look at me.
"Of course you are. You are a much better friend than any of the princesses I used to hang out with."
She turned her head, still drooping, but finally made eye contact.
I bumped her hip again. "C'mon, best friend, we're going to be late for homeroom."
I felt like I had won a prize when she raised her head and gave me one of her rare smiles. It lit up her pale face.
"You know what I like about you, Allison? You never pretend. You're always so.. so YOU."
Thursday. April 12, 1984. Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles and the Standish Family Home
The week passed quickly as I studied the thick pamphlet the DMV issues, with all the rules and signs and laws you must know to pass your driving test. I was very nervous Thursday afternoon, as my father drove us to the DMV. But I shouldn't have been. I did great on the written part and performed adequately on the driving portion. When we emerged from the tiny brick building, I inspected the picture on my driver's license. I looked horrible, my hair a mess and all my color washed out. But I had it! I had a ticket to freedom.
"Daddy, may I drive to Judd's tomorrow night?" I was eager to make use of my new privilege.
"Legal curfew is 11, so I'd want you home by 10:30."
"Thank you!"
When we got home, it was my turn to hug Luke enthusiastically as I gave my good news.
"That's fantastic, Claire!" Daddy ignored the eager kiss Luke gave me and continued into his study..
"We're going to Judd's tomorrow night!" I squeezed him tight.
To my surprise, Luke's face fell. Oh, no, I had a bad feeling about this.
"Claire, I don't start work until Saturday. I get paid next Tuesday. I don't have any money."
I thought for a moment. "Listen, you paid last time we went. It's my turn this time. It's only fair."
"Yeah, but that was your money I paid with."
"No," I insisted. "That was your money because you are going to pay me back on Tuesday, the minute you get home. Right?" He looked uncertain. "I can charge you interest if you want."
That coaxed a smile from him. "OK, tomorrow it's your turn to pick up the check."
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