Chapter 8
The next few days Lawliet came to my house every evening at 4:00. We always went to the park and always laid under the willow tree. I always looked forward to those evenings. One day as I was walking home with him he asked me an odd question. “What’s it like to be so average?” he asked. “What do you mean average?” I said, puzzled. “To have an average life. Not be super smart or seen so much,” Lawliet said, almost to himself. I didn’t say anything. Soon enough Lawliet changed the topic and we started talking. I didn’t think of the question any further. Lawliet dropped me off at my house and I went into my bedroom.
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My mom and I fought often and tonight was no exception. It was usually about my father, who I wanted to visit a lot but my mother would never let me. “Why can’t I visit Dad? Or is this some revenge thing you have planned?” I yelled at her. “He’s not good for you Hannah! He’s a bad influence!” my mom yelled back. “So you just jealous because I want to visit him so often?” I said, in almost a whisper.
My mother walked up to me and slapped me. I looked at her in horror. Her temper had never flamed up to this. Tear’s filled my eyes and I ran out of the house. I went to me and Lawliet’s park and lay under the willow tree for a long while.
“I’m not going back to the house tonight,” I thought determinedly. And then as I opened my eyes I saw Lawliet squatting in front of me. I’d never noticed how he sat crouched with his hands on his knees. And he didn’t wear shoes.
“My mom and me got into a fight, and it got a bit ugly,” I whispered. “I can’t go back there tonight. Lawliet, my life’s such a mess.” I felt his hand wipe my tears away and him hold me tight. “You can stay with me for awhile. Until it feels right to go home,” he said in my ear. “Thank you,” I said and hugged him back.
There it was again. That feeling again. That happiness. That feeling. What was it? “You're welcome,” he said softly. We stayed that way for a long time and when I finally rose from the spot I felt better then before. Lawliet had helped me so much I felt an undying gratitude to him. This was Lawliet. No not Lawliet, My Lawliet. With his dark circles and ruffled hair. His white shirt and rugged jeans. My Lawliet. He took my hand and led me to his house.
