“Yeah sure” I roll my eyes, smiling wide. “Bye Al”

I pull my truck to a halt outside of Shays school. Shit I’m early. I reach forward and flip the radio back on, leaning my seat back alittle and resting my legs over the stearing wheel. The sun beats down on my windshield, burning my jeans, so I get out and head towards the school steps. I sit down on the bottom step, enjoying the cool breeze underneath the trees and resting back.

“Hey you” I look up to see Paige smiling down at me. “Hows things?”

Shit, Paige. I thought she worked today. “Hi, I’m good thanks, you?”

She can sense I feel awkward, but she sits down next to me, far enough away so I don’t feel trapped. I lean round to smile at her, then stare back down at my wriggling converse.

“Yeah I’m great. Look, Shane I don’t mean to seem desparate but…Well” I look back at her, head in hands.

“Paige, Shit I’m sorry. Its just that, well you know…”

“RINNNNGGGGGGGGG!” The school bell makes me jump up. Jeez I felt like I was back in school myself then.

“Saved by the bell huh?” Paige smiled at me, motioning towards the top of the steps. I turn to see Shay and Jared bounding down the steps towards us.

“I guess so” Smiling back at her before turning to my brother. “Hey Mr, how was school?”

“Fine…Can I go to Jareds Shane? Please?” He stares up at me, puppy dog eyes glued to mine.

“You’ll have to ask Paige”

“Of course you can Shay, you and your sister are welcome anytime” She looks back at me quickly, then averting her eyes. Shit, she can’t even look at me. What have I done?

“Ok, well, erm…Great.” I kneel down to face Shay. “You behave tho yeah?” I press the soft tip of his nose in affection.

“I will” He grabs my shoulders, pulling me into a hug before running off to meet Jared outside of Paiges car. Its just me and her again.