The next morning, Dakota was waiting for me at my door when I left to go to school, sending a thrill throughout my body. Dad had already left for work. Even though I hadn't been home or to school for three days, my father said nothing when I came home, except to ask me if I was okay and to pull me in for a hug. I guess he was just happy that I was home and safe.
When I neared his truck, Dakota pulled me in for a hug. "Ready to go?"
I nodded, walking around to the passenger side of his truck and Dakota opened it, but put his arm out, stopping me. "You know, you could stay home for another day and rest. Your father won't say anything about it, I'm sure."
I shook my head. "No, I'm fine. I've missed too much school as it is."
He sighed and helped me in. Then he leaned in close. "You know I could stay in with you all day."
I burst out laughing. "If my father came home from work early and caught us both here alone all day, he'd have my hide."
