Read Online Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles - Free Book Online Page A

a folder and stares at it. Folders suck, too. Especially ones that have anything having to do with me.
    The defense lawyer assigned to my case after the accident had a folder outlining the accident, my arrest, and the history of my life. The warden in the DOC had a folder much the same. It’s like I wasn’t a guy anymore. I’d been reduced to words written by others about me. Even Damon relies on a damn folder. I could tell them a hell of a lot more than any folder could say.
    “While Caleb did surprisingly well in almost all of the exams,” Meyer directs his attention to my dad, “he hasn’t passed the requirements for social studies.”
    Gee, that’s no surprise considering what Leah said.
    Mom’s smile loses its brightness for a second. “I’m sure it’s a mistake.”
    I look over at my dad. He glances at me before saying, “Caleb went through the academic program at the, uh, Department of Corrections.”
    Meyer puts a hand up. “That may be, Dr. Becker. But he didn’t pass social studies or rack up enough credits to be a senior.”
    I’m going to say what I’ve been wanting to say all along, to hell with the consequences. “I could just drop out.”
    Mom frowns. “Caleb, no.” Yeah, a real live public reaction!
    Dad’s eyebrows furrow. “Son, you’re not dropping out. I’m sure Mr. Meyer can work something out. Right?”
    The guy takes a deep breath and pulls out yet another folder, which seriously makes me want to laugh. He studies the contents while we all wait in silence. “Well, I could put him into a junior level social studies but keep all of his other subjects at the senior level.”
    “Oh, that’s a wonderful idea,” Mom shrieks.
    Dad nods.
    “He’ll have to take summer school and graduate late. It’s not ideal but—”
    “That’s fine, isn’t it, Caleb?”
    Oh, man. Summer school? Why don’t they just stick bamboo under my fingernails instead? “Whatever it takes, Dad.”
    I stare out the window at the cars driving past the school and birds flying to who knows where.
    “Caleb, why don’t you get a class schedule from my secretary,” the principal says, then checks his watch. “You can catch the last half of third period if you hurry.”
    Dad and Mom are silent as we exit Meyer’s office.
    The secretary hands me a piece of paper. “Here’s your class schedule.”
    I walk to senior English. Leave it to old Meyer to make me enter the classroom smack in the middle of class. I wince as I open the door.
    I can almost hear an announcer’s voice in my head. Yes, ladies and gentleman, the main attraction . . . straight from juvenile jail . . . Caleb Becker! I feel sixty eyes on me, burning into my skull as I walk up to the teacher, Mr. Edelsen. “Can I help you?” he asks.
    “I’m in this class.”
    Silence.
    Eyes.
    Muscles tightening.
    “Well, have a seat then.”
    I walk to the back of the class and pick a seat next to Drew Rudolph. We used to hang out. You know . . . before.
    After class I have lunch. I pay for an apple and Coke from money my parents gave me this morning. As I walk through the lunchroom, I hold my head high. Let them talk about the ex-con all they want. Facing these kids is nothing compared to the guys at the DOC.
    When I turn the corner, I bump into Kendra. It’s the first time we’ve been this close since my arrest.
    “Hi, Caleb,” she says with a teasing lilt to her voice. “Drew told me he saw you in English class.”
    I nod.
    “Remember when we had English together?”
    Boy, do I. We used to take bathroom breaks at the same time and meet in some deserted hallway to make out and feel each other up. “I remember.”
    She smiles at me with her bright teeth and killer full lips. I could have kissed those lips forever. I still can.
    “Well, I guess I’ll catch you later,” she says.
    “Later,” I say, watching her butt sway as she walks away.
    ————
    After school, for community service, I fixed an old lady’s fence and hung up her