Learning to Breathe by J. C. McClean Page A

improvement.
    I then made my way back out to the locker roo m where Danny was still waiting for me.
    He glanced up when he heard my footsteps and then threw me a genuine smile. “Better?”
    I nodde d and sat down beside him again. “I’m really sorry about all that …” I trailed off, not knowing what else to say.
    Danny nodded his head understandingly. “Don’t worry, I was just skiving anyway cause my last lesson was cancelled.”
    I nodded my head an d then it suddenly dawned on me. “Oh my God – the Youth Club! I phoned this morning to say that I was gonna be late because I had a meeting with Ms Greenly after school. What time is it?”
    “Almost four-thirty but don’t worry there’s only like four kids in today – I’m sure that Grace can handle it if you wanna go home.”
    I shook my head. “No! I – I don’t want to go home – not just yet anyway.”
    Danny threw me a curious look. “Is everything okay?”
    “Yes!” I told him rather quickly – too quickly.
    “Are you sure?” he asked, concern in his voice.
    “Yes,” I insisted even though I knew that he wouldn’t believe me.
    He threw me a dubious look. “Right, so there’s nothing you wanna talk about?”
    I shook my head. “I just – my mother and I had a fight and I don’t want to go home right now.”
    Danny nodded. “Okay, well how about we get out of here and get some dinner?”
    I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea or not but I figured that it was better than going home to face the music.
    I n odded my head. “Yeah, that’d be great.”
     
    After Danny had informed Mr Deacon that he was leaving me home since I wasn’t feeling well, we made our way into town and scoped out the quietest café. Danny parked the car and jumped out of the driver’s side so quickly I wondered what he was doing until he opened my door for me.
    He smiled at the look of surprise of my face, “What?”
    I shook my head and said nothing – it was a miracle that he was still talking to me after my mini meltdown earlier when he really should’ve been running in the opposite direction.
    “So,” Danny began as we were seated to a table, “am I allowed to ask about what happened earlier?”
    I shook my head. “Next question please.”
    He looked a little disappointed but still ploughed on nevertheless.
    “Okay – fair enough. Um, well what about your meeting with Ms Greenly? Is everything okay?”
    I wasn’t sure whether I should answer him or not; part of me wanted to tell him about what I was being forced to do but the other part wanted to remain silent. I debated for a minute and then decided to choose a bit of both.
    “It’s just about my P.E. class – the only one available is swimming.” I threw him a pointed look and he nodded understandingly.
    “Yeah, I can see how that’ d be a problem. What happened – did you get it changed?”
    I sighed heavily. “No – I tried but then my mother got involved and – well I don’t want to talk about the rest, okay?”
    Danny shrugged nonchalantly. “Sure but doesn’t that mean you’re stuck with swimming?”
    “Yeah – but I’m not gonna do it. They can’t make me!” I told him determinedly.
    “Wow, calm down! Nobody’s gonna force you to do it.” Danny told me reassuringly.
    I shook my head in protest. “It’s not that easy – things are a little … complicated.”
    Danny frowned at me in puzzlement but I didn’t elaborate. Instead, I focused on the menu in front of me and pretended to be deciding what to order. Danny took the less-than-subtle hint and didn’t mention it again.
    The waitress then arrived to take our orders for which I was grateful; it gave me time to come up with something else to talk about. I ordered my burger and chips and waited until we were alone again before speaking.
    “So,” I began. “W hat subjects are you taking this year?”
    Danny raised his eyebrows at my change of topic but answered nevertheless.
    “ Biology, Maths, P.E. and ICT –