Home is Where You Are by Tessa Marie

wet clothes in a dryer the sit back down next to Wanda. It’s kind of comforting to have someone sitting with me, even if we aren’t really talking. I guess Wanda was right after all.
    I ’m happy to know someone.
     
     

I spent the rest of my weekend daydreaming about Dean , wondering how he was spending his Sunday and hoping he had a warm place to sleep. Katie called me Saturday night after he left. She was hanging out with Paul, her newest obsession. I have yet to meet him. He’s older, graduated however many years ago, so it’s not like I’ll see him at school.
    I’l l wait and see if she’s still talking about him in a week. She has a tendency to be completely infatuated one minute then the next not even know who I’m talking about.
    On my way to school I stop at the bagel store. I’m craving a cinnamon raisin and a vat of green tea. The same man is at the counter. Does he ever take a day off? He’s old. He should be enjoying life. Then again my mother loves her job and she’d rather do that over anything else, including spending time with me.
    “Good morning. What can I get for you today , young lady?”
    He’s always so cheerful too.
    “Hi. Can I get a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese?” I say, looking directly at the bagel this time so I know I’m not seeing something that’s actually not there.
    “Sure can. Would you like anything else?”
    “Just a large cup for tea.”
    He punches keys on the register. “That’ll be two dollars.”
    I hold my ten in my hand and glance back at him. “Did you get the tea?”
    “It’s on the house today.”
    “Oh, you don’t have to do that.”
    “I know I don’t have to, but I want to.”
    “Wow. Thank you very much.”
    He winks at me then says, “You have a nice day now.”
    “You too.”
    What a nice way to start my morning. A cinnamon raisin bagel and a free vat of green tea. Couldn’t ask for anything more.
    I pull into the parking lot of school and check my rearview mirror to make sure my lip-gloss hasn’t ventured outside the lines of my lips. All intact.
    Outside I tug my orange peacoat tight over my chest. A cold front from the north came in overnight. It’s finally boot season. Though, when I slipped into my favorite camel colored slouch boots and tan cardigan, the same thrill wasn’t there. Normally I’d look in the mirror and admire my color coordination skills, but all I saw was how warm I was and how cold Dean must be.
    From across the parking lot I hear, “Anna! Hey wait up. ”
    I turn to find Susie running towards me. Her hair is pulled back and her backpack is falling off her shoulder. She must have at least five books in her hand and who knows how many are packed into that bag of hers.
    “Hi, ” she says, in between gasps.
    “H ey.” 
    She holds her chest and takes one deep breath. “I didn’t think you heard me so I started running.”
    “No , I heard you,” I say with a laugh. “Do you need help with your books?” I reach for them since she seems seconds away from a book avalanche.
    “I got it. But I do need help with some science homework. I have a lab due today and I’m not sure it’s up to par.” Up to par? Is she fifteen or seventy?
    “I’m sure it’s fine, but I’ll look it over if you’d like.”
    “That would be wonderful.”
    Susie and I get to the classroom and she takes her usual seat in the corner. I take five minutes to say hello to Ms. Kittles and to settle in.
    My green tea is still hot, so I blow on it before taking a sip. Susie stares at me, so I take a bite of my bagel then head over to her.
    Just as I suspecte d, there’s nothing wrong with her work. Even her handwriting is perfect. All her I’s are dotted directly above the line and all her L’s are perfectly looped at both the top and bottom.
    “A plus,” I say, keeping it short and simple.
    Her eyes shoot wide. “Really, you think so?”
    Why is it impossible for her to have a little faith in herself? “Yes. It’s