Chapter 687: The River Walk
Monday, March 13th, Afternoon
The River Walk had become her place to sit and think over the past few weeks. Especially now, with her residence being the Saltwater Motel, it was better to spend time away and on this bench, watching the people walk down the walkway while the boats moved up and down the river. This had become her life.
Callie leaned on her bench and looked at the people. She had made up stories for all the regular people Callie observed on the River Walk. That was her soap opera now, the regulars at the River Walk.
It's been a few hours since her heart-to-heart with Dr. O'Brien. Callie pulled her jacket closer around her and looked down at the bench. Callie was wrapping up that day's school assignments. Her homework sat in several manila folders next to her. The folders signified that they were completed and filled with homework and classwork.
Callie reached down, picked up the folders, and put them into her backpack. She went into the knapsack and pulled out her Cook Out char-grilled chicken, this would be her dinner, and she would head back to the Saltwater Motel before the sun went down. She took another bite of her chicken.
The sounds of skateboard wheels echoed in Callie's ears. Picking up her head, Callie saw Noah power slide to a stop near herself. He demounted his skateboard and kicked it up, grabbing the nose. Noah walked over and took a seat next to Callie.
"Hey, how's it going?" Noah asked.
Callie looked at the guy she just met. She knew of him; some of the popular girls called him Creepy Noah. One of them was the tall blonde girl Sawyer Scott. Noah was the first person, never mind that he was a guy, to even give a shit about her.
Callie nodded and took another bite.
"Whatcha got there? It smells good," Noah said.
"Cook Out's char-grilled chicken," Callie said after she swallowed her mouthful.
"What style?" Noah asked.
"Original," Callie said.
"Okay," Noah said.
"Okay," Callie said.
"So, you didn't answer my question," Noah said.
"What was the question?" Callie asked.
"How's it going?" Noah asked.
Callie looked away from her food and across the river. In the distance, the darkening tower of the Battleship North Carolina was visible. Callie slowly turned her head to face Noah. "It could be better," she sighs, "I've been kicked out of my house."
Noah nodded, thinking about her chicken, then shook his head, "What? That's- wait, you finally told them?" Noah asked as he realized what she implied.
Callie took another bite. She slowly chewed and then swallowed. "Yeah, everything went to utter, undeniable shit after that," Callie said, hanging her head.
"I'm sorry, Callie," Noah said.
"Thanks, Noah," Callie said.
"Yeah, no problem," Noah said; he looked down towards the river. He saw Chase's kids, three of his nieces, and one of his nephews, PJ, Key, BB, and Col, down by the river's edge. They each had ice cream, they were being herded by their paternal aunt, Kelly McMichael, and Noah could see two of her kids as well. They were heading somewhere in a hurry, and Noah understood he wasn't part of it.
"I just wish someone out there understood things," Callie whispered.
"Trust me when I say I do, too," Noah said, "I really, truly do."
Callie nodded, "Life would be so much simpler," she said.
"Yeah, it would be," Noah said, "So, where are you staying?"
Callie sighed, "The Saltwater Motel," she said.
"They must hate you; that place is horrible," Noah said.
"So, I've been told," Callie said.
"Are you heading there? I can go with you, you know, for protection," Noah said.
Callie shook her head, "You don't need to," she said, "I'll manage."
"It's no big deal, Callie," Noah said.
Callie shook her head, "I don't want to impose; it looks like you got something going on," she said.
"Not for a while; me escorting you to your home won't affect anything," Noah said.
"So, what are you up to? Where are you going?" Callie asked.
"I'm heading out of town for a bit," Noah said.
Callie nodded mournfully. Noah Adams was one of her few friends, and now he was flying the coop. "Are you sure?" Callie asked.
Noah nodded, "Yeah, it's something I have to do," he said.
Callie looked over at the older boy. "Are you sure?" she asked.
"Positive, Callie, absolutely fucking positive," Noah said.
Callie chuckled, "Wow, you swore," she said.
"I do, from time to time," Noah said.
"I don't remember hearing you swear," Callie said.
"I swear I do," Noah said.
Callie laughed, "I believe you," she said, "Now, how about escorting me to my home."
"Are you sure?" Noah asked.
Callie smiled and nodded, "Positive," she said.
Noah stood up and grabbed his bag and skateboard. "Lead the way," he said.
Callie smiled, stood, and collected her stuff. Slinging her backpack over her shoulders. "Well, Mister Adams, please follow me," Callie said.
"Lead the way," Noah said.
"There's something else, Noah?" Callie asked.
"Yeah, where did you get your food from?" Noah sked.
"Cook Out," Callie said.
"Is it along the way to your home?" Noah asked.
"Yes, do you want me to take you there?" Callie asked.
"Yes, I'm hungry," Noah said.
"Men and their stomachs," Callie said, "Follow me."
The two friends headed off together.