On Monday, I could smell something coming from my purse while we were at church. When I got home, it was getting stronger and it was making me sick. When I checked, I noticed I had weeds. How did that got there? I knew who did it. Wait until I see them, they're really going to get it now. I left home to meet them at the park as I went over to them and threw the weeds at them while they were outside.
"Hey! What was that for?" asked Jack.
"Were you insane trying to get me in trouble?" I asked.
"I just thought you would try it," said Rick.
"I don't do any of that," I said.
"And, here's a cigar," said Andy.
"Um, no. I don't do drugs or smoke," I said.
Dad taught me at an early age to say no to drugs of any kind including weeds and smoke.
"Oh, come on," said Andy. "This is not a big deal."
"Read my lips: No, and that's final," I said as I stormed off for home.
That night, I didn't eat much.
"Are you alright?" asked Sharon.
"I'm not hungry," I said. "May I leave the table?"
"Sure," said Dad.
I got up and went off to my room.
"Is everything okay?" asked Sharon.
"She told me her new guy friends are giving her trouble," said Dad.
"Oh, really? They weren't like that the other night," said Sharon.
"She added she didn't know they were bad news until Kayla told her," said Dad.
After dinner, he said, "I'll go see if she's okay."
In my room, I was reading while trying to keep calm. I don't know what to do about April. I'm worried about her relationship with Andy.
"Mary Anne," said Dad as he came in to see me. "Are you alright, peanut?"
"Before I saying stuff, can I ask you some questions?" I asked.
"Sure, anything," said Dad as he sat on the bed with me.
"Did kids pressure you to do stuff when you were growing up?" I asked.
"No, but like you, my parents taught me about drugs including weeds and smoke that can be dangerous for minors," said Dad.
"The reason I asked is that I found something very interesting," I said. "I found weeds in my purse."
"Weeds?" asked Dad.
"I knew it belonged to the guys. I was so mad that I threw them right at them," I said.
"Good," said Dad.
"They weren't happy with me, but I didn't care," I said.
"I knew something was bothering you tonight," said Dad.
"I didn't want to mention it at the table right away. I think it's because I was afraid you'd be mad at me," I said.
"No, I'm proud of you," said Dad.
"Oh, yeah, by the way, Andy was part of it, too. He tried to get me to smoke, but I said no," I said.
"This is the first I heard about it," said Dad.
"I found out about that today," I said.
"Does April know what he was doing to you yet?" I asked.
"I haven't told her. I'm just concerned about how she'd take it, so I don't know if I just talk to her or her mom," I said.
"You can see how it goes with her. Otherwise, it's best to tell her mom," said Dad.
"She's the one who ignores your house rules," I said.
"That's true," said Dad.
"I just hope these guys don't change me for who I am," I said. "I just never thought they'd be like that."
"Just think of this way: If those guys are your friends, they wouldn't force you to do anything you're uncomfortable doing," said Dad.
"Oh, it's sort of reminds me of what Jenny did to me trying to steal Logan," I said.
"Well, partly, yes," said Dad.
"I guess I forgot you taught me a few things on friendships," I said.
"It's okay, it's good you asked me some questions," said Dad. "I can tell the guys are putting you in a tight spot."
"I think so, too," I said. "I'm dreading to see them tomorrow for dinner."
"I'm sure," said Dad. "Listen, if you need a ride home for any reason, you can always call me when you're ready and I'll come for you."
"Okay," I said.
I felt a little better after talking to him.