Chapter 4

'Was it because I was just being lazy? Or maybe because I kept mixing with the wrong crowd?' Curtis wondered.

I looked at his lost look and suddenly couldn't help but find it utterly absurd.

"It was my mistake," I interrupted his thoughts, my voice completely flat.

"From now on, it won't happen again. Do as you please."

Curtis's eyes lit up, and he asked excitedly, "Really? So... I can go drinking with Lance and the others?"

"Sure," I replied.

"And coming home late... that's fine too?" he pressed.

"Go ahead."

"And... maybe catch a show or something..." he ventured,…