Eight
"Leaning On You"
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on.
--Robert Frost
******
After that scene with my dad earlier in the day, I buried myself in whatever work was pending. Wallace was leaving to go to basketball camp for a week, so I had no one to vent to.
"Hey, Veronica."
I looked up, surprised. It was Wallace. "Wallace Fennell, what are you doing here?"
Wallace shrugged. "I overheard my mom talking about everything and thought you might need a friend."
"Don't you have a bus to catch?"
"Yeah, in three hours. I think I'll make it. 'Til then, I'm all yours."
I smiled. I was instantly happier. "What would I do without you?"
"No idea. Lucky for you, you met of this awesome playa before I got rich and famous. Now, when I make it to the NBA, I'll be sure and guarantee you a spot as one of my groupies."
"Ohh, you problem solver, you. This way, I won't even need college. You have all the answers."
"Don't you forget it. Seriously, though, are you alright?"
I swallowed back the tears that were suddenly threatening. "I will be. This isn't the first time that my mom has proven what an incredibly disappointing loser she is, so I have the drill for dealing almost memorized."
"Everything'll be okay, you know."
"I know," I said.
Strangely enough, I meant it.