talking to the east

It wasn’t long until everyone had scared leaving Samantha the house. She finished up the few dishes they hadn’t then moved to living room and looked at the computer thinking about trying Roger but he was likely in class, so it would be best to wait a couple hours then try, so the books won that round. She moved to her comfortable chair and settled in with the astronomy book, wanting to be able to talk to him about it if he answered. She did wonder what he would think of her classes. Maybe she could convince him it wasn’t so bad out here. She knew he was upset at her over the move for all she hadn’t known what was being talked about until it had been decided. Her father knew she would blame herself for forcing the change on them so hadn’t seen to it that she didn’t learn what they were debating. It was working out better for all of them, but it was a big change. She let her book carry her to the stars for the next two hours. She looked up and blinked, surprised she had set their that long, she got up turned the computer on then head to the bathroom, and to get a drink before she returned to the living room. The computer was ready when she got there so she sat down and signed into the program, and called Roger, only to have it go to messages. Sam sighed a bit then started typing. ‘Hi bro, sorry I missed you. I was hoping to catch you. I really wanted to tell you about my new school. Dad took me there yesterday to finish the paper work and get the classes set. I do think I am going to like it, but it is so odd not to see gang tags or have anything to tell me where I should be. There was no separation in the halls and the principal’s office just had two chairs for visitors, which matched his. It was so odd not to have a place that was separated, and then he told me I could look at his books and that I was free to read any of them there. That they don’t divided them by social classes out here. He let me bring a few home, even. I am going to start classes on Monday, and so far there have been no big issues, though a couple of my medicines were scaled back, but they told us before we came out here they would be. We will have to compare Astronomy homework soon. I bet mine is as challenging as yours, big brother. Yes, that’s what I said. I am taking Astronomy! I also have a class on creative writing and one on analyzing fictional stories. It is so odd not being told I can’t take something because it is beyond me. I hope your classes are going well.’ She paused a bit but decided she had been bragging enough and so sent it without telling him of the book. Maybe he would write back or call her soon. Sam reached for her math book, might as well make sure she was right about those last problems, just to be sure she was up with them looking them up online should do it, it was how Doug had said he did all his math homework. She was just starting on the last problem when the computer flashed indicating a video call. She switched windows and groaned a bit as it was her grandmother calling. Likely wanting her dad or at least her mom, still it would be rude not to answer. She clicked on answer and smiled. “Hi Grandma, how are things in Maine today?” Her grandma frowned at the screen. “They are doing all right, there was an unplanned tear in the screen that let in an unruly flock of bees and birds this morning. Thankfully they have gotten the beasts away and the netting fixed. It was most stressful to have them here without the warning. At least three small children were attacked by the things! One man near had a heart attack when one of birds dived at his head. I do not see how you can mange out there with no controls. It is scary. You look fair, Samantha. What are you up to, I had expected it to be your mother, isn’t it school time out there?” Samantha was glad her grandmother had led with the bees as it kept her smiling. “We are doing well out here, but it is an adjustment. I keep looking for the gang tags that aren’t there. It is ten thirty here. I don’t start school until Monday. It was thought best to give me time to adjust to the air incase it caused problems with my medications. Dad and I did go to my school yesterday to finish the papers and the principal was kind enough to arrange it so that I have the books and the assignments so that I will not be too lost on Monday. Mom had some errands in town this morning.” Her grandmother’s frown deepened a bit. “So Grant is there? Taking time off all ready? That doesn’t sound too good.” Sam said. “Mr. Robbles need some items picked up in Ford yesterday so he counted that is working, for all we went there to see my Doctor. He truly didn’t expect Dad to start working this week, wanting him to take time to get settled, but dad is out doing something. I haven’t met any of them yet, but Mr. Robbles is the Government Law teacher at my school. Do you think they could be related?” She sniffed. “It is sadly possible as Walter did say that he had an uncle that went out there. Not that they ever heard from him again. Of all the mad ideas. So is Max therewith you then?” Sam smiled, and said. “No, he and the others are at their schools. I have the house to myself this morning. And it really is a house. It is so strange. We each have a room of our own that is bigger then the ones we were sharing. It is amazing how much room there is out here and how much life there is. My principal, Mr. White, lent mea book on the local animals so I could get an idea of what I can expect to see. Though Tom and Seth have looked at it more then I have as I was reading the others. I haven’t been to far from the house yet but am going to see if I can walk to the stables after I have lunch. It is a bit far, but dad said he would be stopping by there and could give me a ride back if I needed it. He has offered to drive me to them, but that felt like cheating.” She shook her head. “They really shouldn’t leave you alone like that. At least Max will know the school and be ready to help you. I do worry just what you are getting into out there. When is your mother do back? How long are you going to be there alone?” Sam said. “Mom gave the others a ride to school, I’m not sure when she is planning on getting back. Dad took a lunch with him so it will be afternoon before he does. Max will be here by one as for some reason the high schools only go half days every other Friday. He has set an appointment with some others I met yesterday to talk about his painted canes. Customized canes are a big deal out here and they liked what he did to mine so I took their numbers for him. I am fine here, but they will be getting me a cell phone when we go to the mall tomorrow so I will be able to call them. I still say it is silly, but they think I need one.” Grandma stiffened a bit. “Well if they are leaving you alone I can see where that would be wise for all it is a bit of a waste, but you can’t ask Max to call if he isn’t with you. You are going to a mall? That is a bit above you isn’t it dear? I am sure that the shoppers won’t want to be disturbed. So what will you be studying out there? Does Max speak well of the teachers?” Sam closed her eyes. This was going to cause problems but it might just force her to call dad. “There are no class restrictions out here so I am allowed to go into any store. I find it a bit scary to think of, but yes they are taking me to the mall and I am to get some new clothes.” There was a bit of sputtering at that as she had expected there would be, but the next would be worse. “Max likes his teachers, and is loving his school. I have yet to hear him complain about any of them, though he said he will be glad when he is out of the pottery section. I think I will like my classes but it will be a bit strange. I have four in the morning, algebra three, literary analysis, a writing class and astronomy, then the afternoon I have something called mythical studies and the government class. I have no idea what mythical studies will be and there is no book for it. I was a bit worried as the morning ones are all college credit classes, but looking at the books I am sure I will be fine.” Grandma said. “What? That can’t be. That is not. Just what are they thinking. It isn’t safe for one with your. Oh dear just where is your father?” Sam smiled. “Dad was with me to fill out the papers. Like I said they don’t keep the resections out here. It is going to be odd I could believe it when I was allowed to read Fishers’ Astronomy, Mr. White even let me borrow it. I do have to stop and look some things up, but it is interesting. I can’t wait to see what I will find at the library.” Grandma paled. “Just what are they thinking out there? That is a restricted book, and should be read only with close supervision and only by those with the ability to understand it. I knew they were wild but I didn’t know they had no standers. I am not sure you are safe out there. I am sure that I can help Grant find a better place. I think. Yes I must.” Sam smiled. “I don’t think any of us are ready to move back east yet Grandma, but I am sure Dad would be delighted to hear from you. I know he is worried about you. Do forgive me but I must go see what I can make for my lunch and then go see if I can find the stables. I hope you have a good day.” Grandma said. “I do hope you will be careful out there. It is so dangerous all those wild things can’t be good for your health. I will talk to latter dear.” She need the call and Samantha walked to the kitchen.