“You alright?” Mom asked, noticing the redness in Jen’s eyes.
“I’m fine...” She lied. “Just not totally awake yet...”
Mom sensed that something was off, but decided not to press. “Alright... Your sister’s already waiting in the car. We’d better head out there.”
Jen nodded and they both left to meet Cassie. She was just over a year younger than Jen, and wasn’t quite as tactful about her puffy eyes.
“Were you crying?” She asked.
“No... I...” Jen started.
“Mom, why was Jen crying?” Cassie continued.
“Cassie stop...” Jen replied. “I wasn’t crying... I just... I didn’t sleep well...”
“Suuure...” Cassie joked.
Jen sighed and ignored her sister for the remainder of the short drive. Kyle had given her enough stress that morning and she wasn’t in the mood to entertain such immaturity. Within ten minutes, they were in front of the school. Both girls said their goodbyes and watched Mom drive away. Cassie ran off to meet her friends.
Jen wasn’t feeling particularly social. All she could think about was finding Sam...