: (Robin) Clay's Mum

I walked home from school today. Even though it was raining heavily. Something about the rain always calms me down. Probably the thudding and the feeling of rain on your face. Cool and refreshing. And then the person I thought I was least likely to see, appeared. Clay. He looked troubled and then approached me. "Hey, Robin," Clay said and gave me a smile. "Um... Hi!" I replied whilst running my fingers through my wet hair, feeling embarrassed. "Are you alright?" "I'm really sorry about your Dad and Brooke," he said awkwardly and looked at the floor. "Oh," I said and forced a smile on my face. "Thanks. It's okay," I blushed, my face feeling hot. Clay looked like he wanted to say something else. He was looking right at me, biting his lip. He looked worried.

"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked. "No. I mean. Yeah, I am. But there's something I need help with..." Clay said nervously. "Okay... What?" I answered, trying not to look embarrassed even though my leg's felt like jelly. "It's my Mom," Clay blurted out. "She's just not herself anymore. She keeps looking scared and secretive and... odd..."

I didn't know what to say. So I gave Clay a sympathetic look and said, "Do you have any idea of why?" "No..." Clay replied while biting his lip anxiously. A bead of blood appeared which he wiped away hastily. "She keeps saying that she's doing DIY projects. I mean, she bought a saw, some rope, some wire and planks of wood. And to make it even stranger, she has Axel's phone number and I sometimes see her talking to him." Now that was odd. I thought for a second and turned my attention back to Clay. "I mean she could be looking nervous about whatever DIY projects she's doing. You never know. It could be a surprise!" I answered uncertainly. I was more trying to convince myself than him. Something felt wrong. Clay shrugged. "I guess I'll see you around then," Clay said and walked away. "Bye!" I called after him. I honestly didn't know what to say. I wanted to help him and be there for him but I didn't understand what to do.