Chapter Nineteen

I sifted my peas around my plate with my fork. Dad stuffed the mashed potatoes hungrily into his mouth, while Mum delicately placeed a pea in her mouth.

"We had a call from one of your teachers this afternoon," Dad started.

"Oh really? Which one?" I knew perfectly well the who what where of this situation, but caring was a different matter.

"Mrs. V something."

"Yep."

"Alice."

"Mm?" I ignored the warning in his voice.

"Your teacher says that you are falling behind. She's had your study periods changed so that you'll be with her. We also talked to your guidance counselor. He thinks that you should drop art until you can pick up your English grade."

"Okay. My art teacher has issues anyway."

"What kind of issues?"

"My guidance counselor encouraged you to talk to me about this didn't he?"

My father ignored me, proving my point. "What kind of issues?"

"Stuff." He encourages me to explain. I don't.

"Alice, your guidance counselor Mr. Blatt also recommends that we take you back to Blair, the psychiatrist. We have an appointment Monday."

"We?"

"Yes," my mother picked up from here, "Family counseling."