Smoke and Steel

2 - God-like when naked

The weekend went achingly slow what with mom away and dad at work most of the time. He's a lawyer and he's working on a really big case at the moment. Mom's a real estate agent and has to travel around a lot, trying to find ideal properties the company can buy or something like that.

When Monday morning finally arrived I was happy to go back to school. I woke up at 6am, showered, brushed my teeth and let my long hair fall down in waves around my shoulders because I couldn't be bothered doing it up. I dressed in my uniform, made sure all my books were in my bag and then went down stairs, bag slung over my shoulder.

Dad was leaning on the counter, his hair was dishevelled and he had large bags under his eyes. He half a bagel in one hand - he hadn't even put anything on it - and yesterdays newspaper in the other. He looked up as I entered.

"You're up early" he remarked, pointing out that it was only quarter to seven

"Yeah, couldn't sleep, I guess" I replied

"Want one?" He asked, gesturing at the toasted sesame bagel on the bench

"Sure, I'll just chuck some cream cheese on it" I said, giving him a rare smile

"Do you want me to drop you to the academy? I mean, I'm already up and I don't have to be at the office until 9am, well, I could use an extra hour on the case, but if you want me to then I -"

"Dad" I cut him off, "It's fine, really, I'll just take the bus."

"Oh, okay then. Well, it was nice seeing you this morning." he said, obviously glad about being let of the hook.

I turned to walk out the door, bagel in hand. If I wanted to make it to the bus in time I needed to leave in the next few minutes.

"Hey Ebony..." My dad called out behind me, "I'm sorry about this weekend and how I wasn't around much"

I turned, "It's fine dad, really" I went back inside and gave him a quick peck on the cheek and a hug.

"Look, how about we go out to dinner this weekend? You, me, and mom. It can be your choice" He gave me an unsure smile.

"Yeah... I think that'd be nice" I said, "Well, I best be going now."

"Have a good week, darling"

"Okay, dad, you too"

***

I made it to the stop just as the bus was pulling in at exactly 6:55am. It was the Academy bus so it was filled with other the Weeklings or say students who lived in and around our town, which was called Fairview. 

Mandy Sayers was talking to Jake Dean, but she beckoned me over when she saw me board the bus.

"Hey Eb, I was just telling Jake about the awesome party he missed in the weekend" She said to me in her way too happy voice. 

"Morning" Jake said, giving me a warm

"Hey guys" I said returning the smile

"So yeah, you know how Taylor Hayes had that massive party at her dad's place in the weekend? Well you won't guess which two people got caught in the laundry room!" Mandy said, rapidly chatting with excitement.

"Caitlin Morrison and Fritz!" She exclaimed, "Can you believe it? Who would of thought that a hottie like her would get with that red-headed dork? I bet that was his first time even kissing a girl, let alone feeling her up" She said the last bit with a giggle.

Jake joined in with the laughing, while I just sat there, zoning out for the remainder of the 45 minute bus ride.

What's so bad about never having had your first kiss? I thought to myself, I bet plenty of people haven't kissed anyone at our age. I'm seventeen and I haven't.