Zenon's Game Chapter 266

It would've been something to hold onto. It would've made everything just a little bit better. When I didn't know where she was, I actually worried about her.

My own hand was shaking now, and I slid it down along Zenon's arm, wanting to feel him again for a sense of security. His skin reacted to my touch the same way I always react to his. My hand slid down to reach his, I wrapped my fingers in his and he closed them.

He squeezed my hand reassuringly.

He wasn't going anywhere – and while I was standing here terrified, he was my source of strength.

"Zenon!"

We looked to the open door of the Albert's house. Squished between the blue party balloons, were the happy faces of his family and friends.

They piled out of the front door. Zenon's basketball coach led the group alongside his daughter, Jamie. Mrs and Mr Albert followed. They were all walking towards us, trying to wave him back.

We didn't need this.

"Make them leave," my mom hissed at us, "The whole point of this is not to see his face right now."

I didn't expect her reaction to change so abruptly. So there was more to the story than what she told me. I had a good guess about who she was talking about.

But, the more important question is why?

Timing has never been my strong suit.

It must be an inherited trait because my mom's timing is the worst. In the midst of Zenon's party, she chooses now to come strolling back.

9 Dupont Avenue was busy celebrating Zenon's accomplishments. Their door sprung open and blue balloons bobbed at its threshold.

Mr Albert, Mrs Albert, Zenon's coach and Jamie sprinkled out into the street, wanting to bring Zenon back to the party. He was their pride and joy after all.

My mom watched the troupe walking towards us, all dressed up, and it was only rubbing their family's successes in her face. We may be neighbors, but we had very different opportunities growing up.

Zenon and I stood, still hand in hand and I turned towards him, pressing my hands against his chest. He was their star and we were castaways. It's comical really.

"Please go back," I told Zenon, "Let's avoid making a scene."

He didn't say anything, but I could see his internal conflict, the dark look in his eyes, as he decided whether to stay or go. He wanted to help, but his presence was not calming here.

When my mom looked at Zenon, she saw his parents who'd called social services on us when we were kids. When my mom looked at Zenon, she saw yet another boy who said he was going to be supportive forever...

And she didn't believe in that anymore. My father had made the same promise: faithful one day and gone the next.

I watched Zenon walk across to meet his family halfway. He ushered them back, though they continued to stare at us in curiosity, wondering what had drawn us all outside. Mr Albert, especially, had a very cold look on his face.

And my mom's expression reciprocated that.

I saw Jamie standing next to her father, Zenon's coach. I hadn't seen her in so long, but our eyes made contact and she looked away.

Behind me, the gambler's friend was carting slabs of wood back into his truck. He went back for his saw and passed by Axel and Jake, who were standing on the pavement, looking confused at what he was doing.

I had so many questions left to ask my mom, but it looked like my opportunity to ask her was fading fast.

I tried to keep my voice down, not wanting anyone else to hear, "Can you just tell me why you didn't come back when the police called?"

My mom was still clutching her breadbasket full of weed and responded like the question was a nuisance, "They said nothing was stolen and that it was likely someone you know from school. I'm sure your life wasn't in danger from some childish prank."

"Then why didn't you take me with you?" I asked, listing off my questions. It was not a childish prank.

"My boyfriend doesn't like kids," she replied, glancing over at Zenon's parents.

"You took Heidi though," I reminded her, "He must be ok with kids."

I felt like she was not telling me the truth.

"Heidi's older than you and she spends most of her time out," mom replied, "I had to get off this street, ok? Now stop being dramatic and let me go. I'll be back in a few days."

Why?

"I don't have money," I said.

"You have that part time-"

"I was fired, mom," I said, "I'm broke and I'm seventeen. What am I supposed to do?"

"Here," my mom said, digging into her purse for some cash.

She handed me a few scrunched-up notes and I meekly accepted. I was not above begging. I needed this.

"Why do you keep looking at Mr Albert?" I asked her.

"That's enough questioning, Candace! You are so suspicious of me and you're determined to make me look like a bad mom. I took care of you when your own dad didn't ok?! You've always idolized him but he's a lowlife piece of sh*t!"

I backed down. Like I said, I didn't want to make a scene.

"Careful!" Jake yelled out suddenly.

In all my mom's anger, she swung open the front door and almost hit the gambler's friend, who was walking by with his saw. He dropped it onto the street and the metal clattered against the concrete next to me. I bent down to pick it up.

"Careful, Candace," Jake repeated from a distance, knowing me well, "There's an old lady walking behind you."