Chapter Twenty-Five

 

Katie heard her mom talking softly when she awoke the next morning. It was difficult to hear what was being said. She could only make out a few words here and there. Katie knew she would just have to wait for her mother to get off the phone and give her the details. Someone had put a very soft blanket over her and it felt so good. She would love to hide under it and make everything go away. Instead, Katie sat up and looked down at her dress. It was wrinkled from sleeping on the couch all night.

Lucinda wouldn’t be too happy about that, she thought. Either would Grandma Rett.

She felt for her necklace...still there. On the floor in front of her was the little black velvet box from the night before. Katie picked it up, and opened it. The ring was still in there with the note. She removed it from the box and placed it on her left ring finger. It fit perfectly. How did he know her size? It was frustrating all Tyson seemed to know.

Well, he should! They knew each other for eight years. They went to toy stores together to spend their birthday and holiday money and swam the summer days away in her pool. He would follow her around the mall for hours as she tried on many outfits. She played video games with him for hours. He beat her at basketball; she out rode him on their bikes. Katie felt a twinge of nostalgia, for the simpler days. She wished she could have loved Tyson like he wanted, she really did. She took off the ring, snapped the box shut, and set it on the table. Her mom was done with the phone call and Katie wanted to know if it was about Ty.

“That was Janet Gray. Tyson is home now. He just got a few bruises here and there. It was a one car accident. He drove into a stop sign.”

“What about Erin?”

“She has a few bumps and bruises, too, plus a sprained wrist.” Her mother folded her arms and her brows crossed. “Want to tell me what happened now?”

“There isn’t much to tell. I broke up with Ty on the way out of the dance. He went back inside, grabbed Erin and that’s the last I saw of him.” Katie wanted to stop talking about it.

Her mom picked up the ring box as Katie finished her story. “And this?”

“You can open it. And do me a big favor by giving it to Mrs. Gray.”

Her mom opened the box and sat quietly for a moment. “He was getting a little too serious for you, wasn’t he? You know that you have to give this back to him yourself, don’t you?”

“Yes, I guess I do. I’m glad you finally get it.” Katie looked away. Tears filled in her eyes. She didn’t want to hurt Ty anymore.

“Oh, and Mrs. Gray said something else. She said Tyson said you like someone else, not him.”

Katie was done talking. “Yes, that’s right.” She got up and went toward the stairs. “I’m going to take a shower and may never come out.”

* * * *

She wasn’t looking forward to going to school on Monday. Once the rumors from the dance settled down, she hoped things would get back to normal. She would do or say whatever Ty wanted about Saturday night. Katie would take the blame and make Ty look good. Slowly, brushing her hair, she’d do anything to delay getting on the school bus today.

“Katie, you’re going to be late.” Her father’s voice drifted up the stairs.

“I’m coming.”

“Looks like I’ll have to drive you. You missed the bus.” Her father grabbed his keys and they went out the door.

The plan was to find Tyson and talked to him before they entered the building. If she’d been on the bus, they might have already talked. She spotted him sitting under a tree and ran over. Tyson got up when he saw her. He had a bump on his forehead and a few scratches on his arm.

“Ty, I hope you’re alright. I heard about the accident. Whatever you want to say about Homecoming night, I’ll go along with. Plus, I need to give something back to you.” She held out the velvet box.

“You keep it, Katie. I bought it for you. What will I do with it?” Ty said coldly. “We broke up, end of story. You don’t have to make anything up for me.”

“Ty, I’m sor...” Before she could finish, Erin came running up.

“You waited for me just where we planned!” Erin looked at Katie with a triumphant grin. She was wearing a brace on her left arm. Tyson put his arm around Erin and walked away from Katie. She was stunned. He bounced back really fast. She wouldn’t worry about him anymore.

Jordyn came running up to Katie. “Did you hear how Ty and Erin got in the accident? They were kissing! Do you believe it?”

No, Katie could not believe it. If that was high school, she wanted out. The sooner the better. She was counting the days till she and Lindsey left for Arizona. She couldn’t wait to meet Lindsey’s family and get away for just awhile.