Read Online Buried by Robin Merrow MacCready - Free Book Online

I’m a princess, the next day—no, the next second I’m an angel, then I’m your baby, and then I’m a brat. What am I tonight, Mom?
    I’ve dug it up, all that old anger. I’m pissed about that snow globe all over again.
    â€”Claudine

5
    LIZ CAME LATE TO LUNCH. Her eye makeup was smeared. Her face was splotchy, and her nostrils were red-rimmed. She sat covering her face, cell phone clutched in one hand. She would’ve cried longer if I hadn’t taken the phone and set it down. She let out a squeal.
    â€œHey, talk to me,” I said.
    She began to sob. “Mom just called,” she said, grabbing the phone. “Dad’s gone. He took off last night.”
    â€œHe hasn’t come home?”
    â€œNo. Poor Mom. She never said anything this morning, but now she wants me to come home as soon as I can.”
    I hugged her and let her cry awhile. It felt good to be able to help. “Don’t freak out. He’ll probably be home by the time school’s out.”
    She nodded and wiped her nose. “Mom sounds calm. Too calm. You know?”
    â€œYeah, I know.”
    â€œMaybe I should go home now. What if he gets in a car accident—what if he hits someone?”
    The cafeteria sounds were building as more kids arrived. I leaned in toward her. “Let’s think this through. Is there anything you can possibly do to change it?” She shook her head and tore at her tissue. “Your mom said there’s no news, right?” She nodded. “Will it help your dad if you miss your classes?” She smiled a little and shook her head. “Let’s finish the day and then give your mom another call.”
    â€œBut Mom said—”
    â€œBut nothing. You need to take care of you.”
    She nodded. “Thanks, Claude.”
    We walked side by side down the hall. “I’m sorry about your dad, Liz.” Something about her made me want to protect her.
    As soon as the dismissal bell rang at the end of the day, I went to my locker. Liz waved her cell phone at me from across the hall and motioned to the door. I was anxious to get home and work on the list of chores. I had a wash to do and cupboards to rearrange. There would be no more crap in the house, only healthy food. Instead of chips, there’d be bread and cheese, vegetables and fruit. Instead of soda, there’d be juice, tea, and maybe coffee. I had to think about that one. The health food brainstorm had come in gym class when the teacher talked about the effect that nutrition had on our thinking. Sugar gives extreme energy but sends you crashing. I thought a nutrition overhaul might help me with the shaky feeling I was having.
    When I came out the front doors, Liz was sitting on the steps waiting for me. I sat next to her. “How’d it go?”
    She smiled big and said, “He’s back, and he wants to talk to Mom and me.” She covered her face and screamed into her hands.
    â€œAre you okay?”
    She was fine. She was grinning all over. “Sorry. That was a happy scream. I’m glad he’s not dead, I guess.”
    I scratched at the mica flecks in the steps. She nudged me.
    â€œWhat?” I said, nudging her back.
    â€œIt hasn’t been easy for you either,” she said.
    â€œNo . . .”
    â€œHave you heard from your Mom?”
    I closed my eyes. “Just that message.”
    â€œYou ought to send her a letter.”
    I thought of the letters in the back of the notebook. “She’s not ready for those quite yet,” I said.
    â€œNo, don’t send her any of those. A regular letter, you know.”
    I nodded and picked more mica chips.
    â€œYou coming?” She stood up and grabbed both my backpack and hers.
    â€œTo group? We can’t ditch it?”
    â€œNo. Not today.”
    Â 
Lydia was putting the folding chairs in a circle when we arrived. Blake was following behind setting a clipboard down on each one.