Chapter 3 – New Opportunities

The next morning, I didn't speak a word to Mum. Although she tried to make conversation with me, I ignored her. I was still mad at her and if she thought she could make up for what she had done this quickly, she was wrong. She had hurt me more than anyone ever had before and I wasn't ready to forgive her yet. Once she proved to me that she was truly sorry for what she had done and wouldn't do it again, I would think about forgiving her.

I jumped out of the car when we arrived at school, anxious to see Richey again. I knew he would never let me down and would always be there for me. I could always count on him. Unlike some people.

I met up with him in our first class and thanked him again for letting me come over yesterday.

"I had a lot of fun too," he said. "And I think I found a way we could hang out after school too."

"Really? What's that?"

"A swim team is starting up and they're looking for members. I've always wanted to be on a swim team."

Honestly, I didn't care about swimming, but if it let me spend time with Richey, I would do it. "Where do we sign up?"

"In the gym, after school. They said they would take us to a local pool and we can get started."

"That sounds awesome!"

Our conversation was cut short by the teacher beginning the lecture. Throughout the day, I couldn't keep my mind off what Richey had told me. This would give me a chance to be away from Mum most of the time and a chance to get to know Richey better. I didn't know much about swimming, but I could always learn. And I didn't have to be the best at it; I just needed to be in it.

After suffering through a long day of classes, Richey and I headed to the gym to see if we could join the swim team. I knew Mum was probably waiting outside, ready to pick me up. But I would never come out. She could come back every day and that wouldn't make any difference. That didn't show that she cared about me. She would have to do more than that to truly show me that she cared.

I followed Richey to the gym where several other people had gathered. In the center of the room stood a tall guy surrounded by several others. He had an imposing face that looked like he was looking for his next victim that he could beat up.

"Who is that?" I asked, nodding towards the guy.

"Oh, I've heard of him," Richey whispered. "His name is Carl Powers. He was a swimming champion at his other school before he moved here. And a bully. Steer clear of him."

"No doubt."

"Welcome, everybody," the coach said. The room became quiet and all eyes turned to him. "I'm glad to see we have this much interest in the swim team. It looks like we might have a good team this year."

"Yeah, because I'm on it," Carl Powers said.

"You're definitely an asset. I've heard a lot about you," the coach said. "Anyway, we'll be heading to the pool now so follow me."
The swim coach led us outside to one of the busses and we piled on. As soon as we started to pull away, Carl came over to where Richey and I were sitting, hovering over us.
"I've never see you two before. What are your names?"

"Richey Brooke."

"Jimmy Moriarty."

"Word of advice. Stay away from my swim team. I'm definitely the best person ono this team and I'm the one who is going to take us to the championship. I just wanted to make sure neither of you were going to get in my way."

"Of course not," Richey said. "As long as you don't get in the way of us having fun on this team."

"Listen here, you little wimp," Carl said and grabbed the front of Richey's shirt. "I'm the boss around here and you'll do whatever I say. And if you don't, then I'll make you pay. Do you understand?"
Richey nodded and was dropped back into his seat. Carl headed back to his seat, laughing as he did.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Y-yes," Richey replied.

"What is that guy's problem?" I asked.

"I don't know," he said. "Let's just make sure we stay away from him."

"No doubt."

We soon arrived at the local swimming pool and piled out of the bus. When we entered the building and I stared, mouth agape, at the pool. It wasn't big but it was better than any I had ever seen before. I was excited about swimming in this awesome pool, even if it meant I had to see Carl. But maybe if we left him alone, he would do the same.

After the coach gave us a safety briefing, we got in the water to show the coach what skills we already had. I could tell from looking around that I wasn't very good but I enjoyed being in the water. I saw Carl several times and I had to admit that he was an excellent swimmer. My resolve to steer clear of him was strengthened.

After a couple hours of swimming, the coach said that practice was over. After drying off we headed back to the bus and taken back to the school.

"Do you think I can come to your house?" I said. "My mum is still at work."

"Sure. My dad said he really liked it when you came over."

"Great!"

I rode with Richey back to his house and stayed with him until after dinner. I knew Mum would be mad that I stayed out late two nights in a row but I didn't care. She would just have to deal with all the time I was spending away. If she truly wanted to spend time with me, she would have to show it.

After a scrumptious dinner, Mr. Brooke drove me back home. I thanked him for dropping me off and after making the short walk, entered my flat. Of course, Mum was mad at me for not coming home right after school, but I ignored her and headed to my room. She kept trying to talk to me, asking me to come out, but I refused. All she was showing me was that she didn't like me locking myself away. That didn't show me that she truly cared about me. Until that point, I wasn't going to listen to her.

I spent the rest of the night working on my puzzles and riddles. Eventually her pleas stopped and I assumed she went back to making her drugs. But that was fine by me. I needed to be by myself for a while; I needed to distance myself from her. Maybe one day I would forgive her. But that wasn't now and it wouldn't be for a long time.