I turned, remembering my promise.
"Jason, don't be spreading lies. You have no clue what you're even talking about."
As I said that, Felix stepped out from my room and stared at us.
"Come here," he called, eyes narrowing at Tom.
"I'm not going to bite her," Tom said.
"That's not what I'm afraid of," Felix answered.
"What are you getting at? You're the one who just came out of her room." Tom stood.
Jason looked scared now.
Felix walked towards Tom. And they stood face to face.
"You have no clue about anything. And if I were you, I would keep my nose where it belongs."
"Well, I'm not you," Tom said. "And if I were you, I'd stick my head down a toilet."
Felix pounced, striking Tom to the floor and punching him in the face. Tom swung. He hit Felix's mouth. They rolled, beating one another.
I screamed. The others rushed in and Roger jumped in to tear them apart. He grabbed Felix and held him by his shirt.
"What started this?" Roger demanded.
And the cat was out of the bag as both boys looked at me.
Chapter 28
Rules Established
"Okay, all three of you outside right now." Roger's voice was firm. He had gone into cop mode. And I didn't recognize him. His demeanor was frightening.
I stared at the faces behind me as I timidly trailed Felix. Ella was scared. She probably had never seen so much fighting before. And in one day. And Sarah, she looked like she was ready to break down and cry. I hated what had happened. What I had caused.
The porch was cold, the sun was fading. And we all scattered out on it in front of Roger. It felt like a prisoner lineup.
"I want the truth right now. First one to tell me a lie is going to get it bad."
I trembled. I wondered what 'get it bad' meant. Hopefully not the horrible stuff I imagined in my head.
"Tom, you first. I'll try to make this as fair as I can."
Tom was brave. He looked nervous, but after he glanced at me something seemed to power him. Like a charge. He straightened his shoulders and looked at Roger.
"I love LeAnna," he said.
Roger looked confused. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"Felix is trying to keep her away from me. That makes me angry."
Roger looked at his son. "Felix?"
"It's true. But she's my girlfriend."
Roger closed his eyes. And looked at me. "True?"
"Y – Yes."
He sighed. "Are you boys really letting this get in the way of your friendship?"
They looked at each other.
Roger continued, "I want you to think about this tonight. We are supposed to be showing love to one another. Is this the way God wants you to act?"
"No sir," Tom said.
"You may go inside now. Thank about this. I don't want it to happen again."
We walked inside and I escaped to my room.
Why did this have to happen? I asked. And I stayed in my room until Ella called me out for dinner.
At the table, we bowed our heads in prayer. Felix looked at me, but I tore my glance away. I was angry.
"Amen." And everyone ate. Except, I played with my meatloaf. Stabbing it. Staring at it. Wishing it were smaller.
Everyone was talking. Mostly the adults. Only Sarah and Jason were speaking.
Apparently, Tom wasn't eating either – not surprising. Ella scolded us, "I want to see you put some food in your mouth. Don't think you're fooling anyone."
I tried to stomach a few bites. But my plate remained practically untouched and was later wrapped in the fridge. Just so I could poke at it tomorrow.
Jane helped Ella clean the kitchen before she left while the rest of us sat awkwardly in the living room. It was awkward because it was silent.
"I'm really sorry about today," I heard Ella say to Jane.
"It's not your fault," Jane said. And their conversation turned into low mumbles.
It's my fault, I thought. Everyone would be just fine and happy if I weren't here.
I sighed and mindlessly stared at the floor.
When the chores were done Jane called for her children and they got up to leave. It was a favor. Sitting in silence any longer would have killed us all.
"Bye, LeAnna," Sarah whispered.
"See you Monday."
After they were gone, Ella came in and with us.
"We need to talk." The words nobody likes to hear. But I was happy it was here, now we could get it over with. The moment they would tell us we couldn't date.
Roger came in and grabbed Jason to take him to bed.
Ella took a deep breath.
"First of all, since you two have decided to become boyfriend and girlfriend there are some serious rules that need to be established. I know Jason is young and dramatic, but he's been saying some things about you being in LeAnna's room. I know when she was sick, you stayed in there to read to her. But she's better now and it's best you're not in her room at all unless it's brief."
Felix was uncomfortable. He moved stiffly beside me.
"And, Felix, you're my son and I know you better than you think. So, be careful what you do. You and LeAnna are young. One day, you'll appreciate these talks when you have kids of your own. Another thing, please try to get along with your friends. Works things out. What do you say?"
"Yes ma'am," we both said.
"Alright. You two spend a little time talking things over."
She got up and left the room. And in her absence, I felt my anger deepen. And for some reason I was directing it all at Felix.
"LeAnna." His voice was soft.
I didn't answer.
"Why are you mad at me?"
I was silent.
He sat closer to me. I turned away.
He grabbed my shoulders. I pushed him.
"What did I do?" He demanded.
I stood. "Here's your stupid jacket back." I unzipped it and threw it at him. And once I was in my room, I didn't come out until morning.
After I awoke, I showered and sat at the breakfast table.
"How are you this morning?"
