She had all As in school but her parents were convinced she wasn’t up to the standard she would need for college. Kana approached the task with defi...nce and boredom. She didn’t want to be bossed around by her older cousin and honestly I think she knew the material better than I did. So it was very difficult to get her to actually focus, but I never told her parents this or she would get in trouble and also, my worst fear, maybe stop coming over to be tutored. It took me a while to figure this. “What did I tell you yesterday?” I harshly responded“I’m so sorry, I just didn’t think you’d mind.” She said, choking back her tears.Kaylee interjected, still in tears, “Oh fuck, my butt really hurts, Mike! Why did you have to use that thing?”“Have you learned your lesson?” I answered her question with one of my own.“Oh god, yes, please don’t spank me with that ever again.” Chantelle said, quietly, sounding like a little girl “I'll be a good girl, I promise.”“Yeah, Mike, please don’t do that. Just give me the address.” I replied.She wrote the address on a slip of paper and told me to be there by 3:45.The next day was a Friday. School went on as normal. But that afternoon was when I was going to Mrs. Cole’s house. I hopped into my car and drove over there.I was surprised when I got to Mrs. Cole’s house because the door was unlocked. Thinking nothing of it, I went inside and called to Mrs. Cole.“Mrs. Cole, I’m here!” I yelled.“The tools are in the kitchen-,” she replied from upstairs.. "Ithaca's fantastic, but you can't surf there." And, I thought later as I lay in bed, Callie wasn't in Ithaca. x-x-x-x I didn't sleep well and woke up early Saturday morning. At six I told Manny I was leaving, and he stared at me as though I was insane. "Jesus, Diz, even the fish aren't awake yet." He shook his head, yawned, and went back to sleep. I threw my stuff into the car and took off. The morning was dazzling despite the forecast. Pastel pinks and oranges colored the sky as I headed.