down to this

Kyle was hoping his mother would tell him something about his situation with Amanda, but she hadn't. Nothing.

She remained indifferent. Not even a hug. No inkling of any form of gesture that she might have some sort of hope for him. It just wasn't going to happen. He guessed.

First thing he did was box up the drum set for this Guitar Hero. It was time to give it up. He gave it back to Ellie's Dad. There was a wave of emotion staggering through him, but he wouldn't let it get to him.

"Maybe you can sell it on EBay." He wouldn't ask for a dime of it. He'd have to find his own way. Somehow.

Ellie's Dad just looked at him, not even knowing what to say.

Of course, Nick tried his best to get him on at the library shelving, but he was only fifteen and couldn't work enough hours for them. Besides, Kelsey was always at the library, every-time he was there and she followed Nick around like she was his lost puppy. Not that it bothered him. He just wasn't sure he wanted her to know about Amanda..quite yet. And he knew he was the last thing she wanted to see.

He was beginning to hate himself so easily. If only he had a plan, he kept to himself, but he'd call Amanda every night, see how her day was going. And he'd cry while he listened to her, hoping she didn't notice. He didn't think she did because she'd talk about happy things. Perhaps she was just trying to keep everything upbeat. She was like that. But all the while, he knew he had to learn how to do something. Something that maybe he could find a trade in. Some day.

And then one day he followed Cole Wilson into the theater at the school. He knew he was graduating this year and they'd need a replacement when it came to electrical stuff in the theater.

"Teach me everything you know about electrical wiring. I want to learn." Kyle wanted his job.

"You know anything about electricity?" Cole looked all of a band roadie with his stringy orange hair tied back in a ponytail.

"I've put in a switch here and there," Kyle nodded.

"Really?" It sounded promising. "Well, they are looking for someone to hand all this over too that I do. But it'll be long hours. Usually at night."

"Not a problem." Kyle was serious.

"You'll get paid," Cole said. "You could probably apply for your electrician certification, by summer."

Kyle listened. It was the best news he'd heard in a while.