Mom has been calling on and off for the last few hours. Sometimes I answer. Sometimes I don't. When I do, it usually ends up with one of us hanging up on the other. Sometimes we shout, and Alex cringes, focusing on the road or looking out his window. I can't imagine it's been easy for him listening to me like this.
At one point, a good ways into the drive, my legs start to ache. "Want to stop and get gas soon? I want to stretch."
"Sure."
We pull off, and after he goes inside to pay, I take the opportunity to call Savvy. It's a little after two, so I know school is still in, but I hope I'll catch her at the right time. I'm surprised when she answers on the second ring.
"Girl."
"Hey."
"Everyone is talking about you guys. Your mom is down here flipping out."
"At the school?"
"Oh yeah. Supposedly, she's interrogating the faculty, demanding to see Alex's record. To see how much trouble he's been in."