Leaving Pheobe

I called Mr. Antolini, he was shocked that I been kicked out of another school and invited me to stay the night at his house. Mr. Antolini was the only teacher who approached James Castle’s body after his death, the only one who demonstrated any kindness in the situation. I went back into Phoebe’s room and asked her to dance. We did four numbers, she was a good little dancer was Pheobe. After the fourth number I heard the front door open, my parents were home from their dinner party. I tried to fan away my lingering cigarette smoke and jumped in the closet. Mother came in to tuck Phoebe in, and I hid, crouching in the closet until she left. I said goodbye to Phoebe, letting her know of my plan to leave New York and move out west alone. She let me the Christmas money she’d been saving, it made me feel so goddam sad when she did that, I wouldn't accept it at first but she insisted. I left for Mr. Antolini’s. On the way out I gave her my red hunting hat. She didn't want to take it at first but I made her, I bet she goddam slept with it on.