Chapter Eight: Out of time

It hadn't even been a full week into the school year yet, and they were already being assigned a project. Thankfully, it was a partnered project and Jeremy didn't have to go at it alone. With Lauren being new to the school she asked the only person she knew for help, Jeremy. He didn't mind. Honestly, he didn't want to work with anyone else in the class. 90% of the students would flake on the assignment and the other 8% would rush at the last minute. So he happily accepted. 

The two agreed to meet over the weekend. Jeremy suggested Saturday because he was off and their aunt Nina offered to babysit Malcolm. It was a bit unexpected and he was shocked his mother didn't object, but he was happy he'd be in safe hands. That allowed for him to actually focus on getting the project done instead of worrying if his mother was getting high with his little brother in the room.

The two selected a quiet little corner to work in at the Library. Lauren had been busy at home and gathered most of the research, which was now spread out on the desk in front of them. 

"Sorry I'm not pulling my weight." Jeremy apologized. He felt like one of the slackers he wanted to avoid. Lauren shook her head, dismissing his apology.

"No, it's my fault. I got a bit carried away." She replied. She wasn't used to having partners so it was natural for her to get started right away. She decided to leave out the fact that she had nothing better to do. She was afraid of sounding like a geek. Jeremy smiled at her.

"So do you think we should do a power point or use a display board?" Jeremy asked. The project was for American Government and they had to research any president throughout history and 10 things that stood out during their presidency. They decided on Nixon. 

Lauren pondered for a moment. Either choices made her want to cringe, she was terrified of presenting. She had never done it before. 

"Uh..which do you think is best?" She asked. Jeremy shrugged.

"I'm fine either way, but a power point is easiest." He answered.

"Power point it is then." She said. 

Lauren was about to turn around and open her laptop, when she heard a vibrating sound. Jeremy pulled out his phone and slide the button to "Decline". He didn't bother to check the ID.

"What are you looking up?" He asked, turned the focus back on the project.

"Just some pictures for the power point." Lauren answered. She was a bit confused as to why he didn't answer his phone, but didn't say anything. She found a picture she thought would be good to use and was going to ask Jeremy's opinion when his phone rung again. He declined the call again. 

"Seems important." Lauren commented. She wasn't one to butt into people's business, but she thought it was getting a bit weird. Who calls multiple times for nothing? 

"It's no- He didn't get to finish his reply. His phone had rung again. He sighed. 

"Maybe you should just answer it." Lauren suggested. She went back to looking at pictures. 

"Excuse me." Jeremy said and answered his phone.

It was his Uncle Daniel. He wondered what he wanted. And then he started to panic. What if it's bad news? again? He remembered it was his Uncle that had made the call about his Grandmother. What if something happened to Malcolm.

"Jeremy? Kid, you there?" Daniel was saying. Jeremy blinked his eyes and came back to reality. 

"Sorry. I'm here." Jeremy answered.

"I just called to tell you I'm on the way." Daniel said. Jeremy had forgot that his Uncle was picking him up. Had it been an hour already? It didn't seem like it.

"Right okay." Jeremy said. 

"See you soon kid." Daniel said and hung up. 

Jeremy told Lauren that he had to leave soon. She began to pack up her things with Jeremy's help. She grabbed her book bag and they walked towards the exit. Jeremy offered to move forward with the project and send her his work when he was done. She agreed. 

"Sorry." He apologized. Lauren laughed softly.

"You didn't do anything wrong, stop apologizing." She said. Lauren wasn't the talkative type and didn't easily open up. But she felt different with Jeremy. She felt relaxed, as if they hadn't just met and were practically strangers. He had to admit, he felt the same comfort with her. The two said their goodbyes and Lauren walked home. 

Jeremy opted to stay outside and wait. His mind drifted to the phone call he got today and what it dredged up. The death of his grandmother. He knew she only had days left and wanted to spend every moment with her, but she insisted that he go home. He wasn't sure why and regretted leaving her side. But she had said, he needed to get fresh air. He had reluctantly left. He took a nap, but was woken up at exactly 5:55 pm by a phone call. His Uncle's voice was shaky and Jeremy knew something was wrong. 

"Jeremy?" Someone called his name. He was too distracted by his thoughts to hear it though. 

"Jeremy?!" The voice got louder. He was brought back to the present time. 

"Yes?" He called out. As he stood, he saw his Uncle approaching him. 

"You going deaf on me kid?" Daniel joked. Jeremy didn't join in on the laughter. He shook his head.

"No. I was just thinking." He said. Daniel nodded.

"You ok?" He asked. Jeremy nodded.

"I'm fine." He lied. Daniel wasn't buying it, but he didn't push any further. 

"Let's grab a bite to eat." Daniel suggested. Jeremy remained quiet and followed his Uncle to his car. 

Daniel parked his car a few blocks away from the food truck and the two hoofed it the rest of the way. 

Jeremy ordered first and selected a taco. Daniel went for the hot dog with all the toppings. Daniel paid for their meal and the two went to sit on a nearby bench. 

Daniel watched as Jeremy took a bite of his taco. He thought about how he should approach the subject of his mother. He was determined to ask him if she was using again and hoped he'd answer honestly. But it wasn't easy and he didn't want to just come out with it. It was like Jeremy could sense it and took a bite every time Daniel opened his mouth. Daniel began to eat his hot dog and wait until his nephew was done eating. He couldn't use his food as a distraction if it was gone. 

Jeremy had gotten up to throw the paper plate away. He knew Daniel was up to something. They had never hung out before. He pretended to get a phone call as a way to get out of the awkward situation ahead. 

"Hello?" Jeremy said.

"Oh you need me to come in? right now?" Jeremy asked. He hoped his performance was believable. Daniel eyed him as he made the phone call. 

"I'll be there as soon as I can." Jeremy replied and "hung up" his phone. 

He walked the short distance back to his Uncle.

"I have to go. Work needs me." He said. Daniel nodded his head. He finished the last bite of hot dog and threw his plate away too.

"Need a ride?" Daniel offered.

"No no, It's not too far. I'll walk." Jeremy said evasively. 

"Be careful kid." Daniel said. 

"Of course. I'll pick up Malcolm when I get off." Jeremy said and began to walk off. He intended to just go home for a few hours and then walk back to his Uncle's place. It was a bit extreme for a lie, but it was better than talking about whatever it was Daniel had on his mind.