Chapter Forty-One

“Hey, what are you doing this weekend?” Jaxsen asked as they packed up their books for the day. Basil shrugged a broad shoulder. He’d been quiet all day, showing only brief moments of avid conversation. The rest of the time he was withdrawn, forlorn, his eyes clouded with whatever happened on his Christmas vacation. Basil stopped moving, his hand inside his backpack, his fingers draped loosely over his history book.

“Probably nothing. Why?” Finally he made eye contact.

“Wanna maybe come stay over? I don’t think my dad will mind.”

Basil visibly swallowed, closed his eyes and nodded. “Yeah that might be fun.” Without a word Jaxsen zipped up his pack and slung an arm around his friend.

“It will be. Do you need a ride home?”

“No. My mom should be here.”

“Want us to wait if she’s not here yet?” They proceeded down the hallway toward the front doors.