She missed the bus by one minute.
Zella screamed in frustration. Now she really wanted to cry.
She almost missed seeing the green truck heading toward her.
Zella, need a ride? Nashua called, setting the park brake.
Thanks, Zella said, opening the truck door, getting in.
For some reason he kept his face turned away from her.
Five minutes later Zella couldn t stand him doing that anymore.
Are you mad at me? She blurted, glancing at him awkwardly.
No! Nashua said quickly still turned.
Zella bit her lip feeling really nervous.
Another five minutes later she thought she was going to lose it.
Nashua! she cried out.
What? Nashua asked alarmed.
Why are you doing that? she cried out miserable.
Doing what? His hands gripped the steering wheel harder.
Why are you keeping your head turned that way?! she told him.
Is it bothering you or something? Nashua asked.
Yes, very! Zella said, still staring at his turned head.
He let out a deep breath and looked at her straight in the eyes.
Zella gasped, Your eye!
His left eye had a huge black and blue bruise.
What happened? she demanded.
Dad Dad hit me last night, Nashua said slowly, When I sneaked back in. He looked away again.
Does it hurt? she asked him.
A little, Nashua admitted, turning into her driveway.
Wasn t what his father did to him called child abuse? She thought to herself.
As the truck stopped she felt even more miserable.
I wish you could stay, Zella told Nashua.
Me too, Nashua smiled at her.
Zella opened the door. Cold bitter air hit her. Guess I ll see you at school tomorrow, Zella said, getting out.
Zella? Nashua said.
Yes? she asked.
Do you know yet if you feel the way I do? Nashua asked her as she sat back down in the truck shutting the door.
Yes, I already do but I ll tell you tomorrow, Zella kissed him, knowing he knew already. She left not wanting to.
~C~S~
Zella? Come down stairs please, Matlock called from down stairs.
Coming, Zella yelled, hurrying down the stairs.
Yes? She asked smiling. She found her Dad on the couch. She d been happy since her talk with Nashua.
Did you sneak out last night? Matlock asked her.
Zella s smile melted instantly, I I, she stammered not knowing what to say to him.
So you have, Matlock guessed.
Yes, she said cringing, I m grounded right?
Fraid so. Zella Charli Mackiene you re not going anywhere but school for a week, Matlock told her.
Zella groaned so loudly Belle poked her head in from the kitchen to ask if she was okay. A week wasn t bad but she wanted to see Nashua.
Zella blurted out without thinking, its bad enough Nashua s father won t let him come here anymore.
Did you sneak out to meet Nashua last night? He asked.
I ugh--, Zella started.
Stop stuttering! Matlock demanded.
Yes! To train Cupid, she said.
Cupid? he asked.
We named him Cupid the mustang, Zella answered.
Go on to bed! He told her firmly and she did.