glad you came

Sawyer was at the point of hiding in his room, lately. School was practically over, but it wasn't with Hannah.

He was beginning to think this babysitting gig was more like his early work as an escort of some kind. Well, that's what it was. He was getting paid to go to the mall with a girl in elementary school. Granted, she did look older. And yeah, he guessed they could pass for girlfriend and boyfriend. But she was a snot.

One time, she kept hitting him in the arm at every move he made while they were at the food court. He practically let her beat him up, just because he didn't want to go into some girlie shop with her. Supposedly, she really liked him.

Even worse was the time she started barking like a yippy little Pomeranian.

"What are you doing?" Sawyer looked at her as if she'd really lost it this time, but it didn't do any good. She kept barking. He honestly, felt he was living a nightmare. He never wanted to be around Hannah again.

When the door bell rang, Sawyer was reluctant to answer it. He was certain it was Hannah. He didn't know if he had the nerve to see her.

"Oh, its you." He was surprised to see Syreeta. "I don't think Zac's here." Sawyer, seldom spoke to Zac anyway. It was best if they didn't see each other. He knew Zac wasn't too happy that he lived here.

"That's OK. I ..I wanted to know ..if..if you wanted to go for a walk." She smiled ever so shy.

"A walk?" Sawyer couldn't help but respond with a smile. "Sure." He felt for his key in kaki shorts. He locked up behind him.

"So, you and Zac?" Sawyer, supposed she was seeing him.

"Oh, we're just in the band." She shrugged. They walked a block or so, not saying much. She didn't say where they were going.

"How's that going? You guys taking a break?" He asked with his hands shoved in his pockets.

"Maybe. I guess." She sounded indifferent.

Pretty soon they were at a neighborhood park. It was empty. There was a see-saw. It was weird how they were drawn to it. But they got on, and he was sure he might be too light for such an apparatus, but as if was they complimented each others weight, and it was a splendid balance.

"I don't really know, that many people." He finally admitted as if she might not wish to be with him. "I mean, after all, I have two mothers." He said it as if he she better run now if she wanted.

"Where are they?" Syreeta asked.

"I guess they are finding themselves, except in different countries." He shrugged, not wanting to dwell. Yes, he'd cried about it in the beginning. Then he thought how selfish they were, but he had his Dad. Funny, how they always told him, he couldn't count on him. "The one who calls, is in rehab, once a week, but I don't expect to see her anytime soon."

Syreeta nodded as if she might be completely sad for him.

"I'm OK. Really." He sat back to the ground while she tilted in the air. Up and down. The earth beneath them. The air around him. It was the simplest of pleasures. And here he was with a girl who he'd wanted to know. He was happy to see her. Finally, something normal felt so wonderful.