Two minutes of multitasking in the bathroom and I found myself wandering into the kitchen. Michael's mother looked as if she would be rushing, but hadn't the will, as she poured her coffee.

"Good morning." She said, in her way. I waved before crossing my arms over the bar.

"Gosh, I didn't realise what time it was." I sighed, resting my head on my arms.

"Oh, I know." She groaned.

Seven Minutes Later:

"Come on, Mrs. Bridge, it's really no trouble. I don't want to be a burden." I grinned, I just couldn't help it. Michael had walked in behind her right at the end of that and shook his head at me.

"No." His mother closed her eyes. "Your mother would—" She raised a finger, and then dropped it. "I take that back—You" She raised it again. "are not going on the bus. That's it."

My eyes made shapes of the tiny tiles on the countertop. I traced one with my finger as I answered. "... I could walk..."

"Marie!"

"Seriously," I pleaded, sure of a horrible smirk on my face. "I could, it's no trouble, only a couple miles, right?" I shrugged. "And who's to say I can't catch a bus if I get tired?"

Mrs. Bridge's mouth opened, but it wasn't her voice that spoke.

"Me." Michael's deep voice reverberated in my ears. "I'll take you." He said.

"But, Michael—" I started.

"No, I don't have any plans today, it's not a problem." He defeated my arguments. "Mom, you can go ahead." A glance at his watch. "Ten-ten. If I'm not mistaken, you're already late. I'll take Marie to the Lancaster's, I have to drop the truck by Hal's anyway, and come back for dinner—or something."

Who could argue with that?