Destroying the Wrong Read Free

grab a seat and get settled.”
    “Looks like you made it just in time.” He grabbed a couple chairs from the pile, unfolding them both. We picked a spot in the middle of the room while everyone else sat scattered around us.
    The man up on stage was very unorganized. He didn’t have any type of agenda and it was hard to keep up with what subjects he was talking about. I didn’t hear much about bullying at all during the half hour talk. It was mostly about how he wanted to spread the word about the group and get more people involved.
    After the man talked, Matt  turned to me and faked a yawn. “I guess this was a bad meeting to give you your first impression. The guest speaker canceled last-minute and we didn’t have a back-up.”
    I smiled at him politely. “Who’s your main organizer?”
    “The owner of the gym said he would start helping us get it together, but he’s been concentrating on making the ownership transition. So as of now, we don’t have anyone.”
    “Why isn’t anyone at school helping out?” I asked.
    “Unfortunately the school doesn’t have the resources to help right now. We get to use this place for free and the guy that talked tonight is a parent volunteer.” Matt stood up and excused himself. He walked around and talked to a couple of people. I was not the type to mingle, so I stood by the door and waited. He looked over at me a couple of times and put up his finger signaling “one more minute.” I loved how he was paying attention to me, even if was just a small gesture.
    ~*~
    Matt gave me a ride home from the meeting. I decided to bring him in to meet my parents so they felt comfortable letting him drive me home. I had never brought a boy home before because sometimes my mom doesn’t know when to shut up.
    They were sitting in the living room watching TV when we walked in the front door. My mom immediately jumped up to introduce herself.
    “It’s very nice to meet you, Matt. Come on in and sit down.” She led him towards the couch, pulling him by his arm. “So, you played football? You’re built like it!” His cheeks turned pink.
    My dad stood up and reached his hand out. “Nice to meet you, Matt.” They shook and everyone sat down. I didn’t sit too close to him just in case they were paying attention.
    “How was the meeting?” my mom asked.
    “Good,” Matt and I answered at the same time. I looked over at him and smiled.
    “Let’s not beat around the bush here. Matt, how old are you?”
    “Eighteen.”
    “My daughter just turned seventeen, so I assume you can respect the laws of dating a minor?” It shouldn’t have surprised me that my dad would get legal since he’s a lawyer, but I thought he could at least be friendly first. I glared at my mom, hoping she would tell him to shut up but she didn’t notice. She was the only one ever brave enough to put Dad in his place.
    “Yes, sir.” Matt’s whole face was bright red now. It was almost funny watching them stare at each other.
    “Good.”
    “Ummm, if we’re done here, I think I’ll show Matt the backyard.” I bumped Matt’s knee with mine in a subtle move of reassurance. He bumped mine back.
    My mom flashed me a smile and we both stood up to go.
    “It was very nice to meet you both,” Matt said before leaving the room.
    I took his hand and led him to the back patio. We sat down on the steps that lead out to the pool. The back light turned on, surprising me. I looked back at the door and my mom was standing there. She waved before going back into the living room. I just rolled my eyes. “Sorry about my parents.”
    “Your dad is scary,” Matt said with a straight face. I started laughing and he soon joined me.
    “What are your parents like?” I asked as he brushed his thumb over the back of my hand.
    “Not like yours. My dad drinks a lot and my mom is super quiet. Not fun company to be around.” He brought my hand up to his lips and kissed it softly. I couldn’t help but feel there was more