What Matters Most by Melody Carlson Page A

Adam and Shannon decided to go get a bite to eat together, which struck me as totally bizarre. Even though they said it was to discuss this new “business arrangement,” I couldn’t help but feel skeptical. But at least I got to go home without her. Still, I can’t help but wonder what is to come of all this. And what, if anything, should I tell Marissa’s dad about Shannon’s “little” problems? Should I warn him that this could, and likely will, blow up in all our faces? And don’t I owe a warning to Marissa? On the other hand, Marissa’s dad is a cop. Maybe he’ll figure it out himself.
    Maya’s Green Tip for the Day
    I’ve noticed something troubling in this town lately. School buses show up at the schools half-empty because grade-school kids are being transported by their parents. Not only does this cause traffic jams; its unnecessarily wasteful. The same is true with the middle school and high school. Although I have a fuel-efficient car, I try not to use it too much. If the weather is good, I ride my bike to school. Now consider this: if every commuter would carpool, use public transportation, ride a bike, or even walk to school or work just
two days
a week, it would make an enormous difference in the environment. Not only would it conserve gas (a limited resource), it would also reduce the effect of greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, if you’re biking or walking, you’ll be in better shape. It’s a win-win!

Ten
October 22
    I ‘m not sure if I keep practicing my music because I want to be in Redemption, which is a ridiculous long shot, or because I need the distraction from Shannon. But the fact is, I’ve really been practicing both guitar and the bass that Dominic loaned me. I still haven’t told my dad about this audition, but I did mention to him that I’ve been getting more into music lately.
    “What do you mean
into
music?” he asked. He was in Portugal at the time, finally returning my call. I really wanted to discuss Shannon and what I should do about her, but I thought I’d soften up this prickly topic by mentioning music first.
    “I’ve been playing your old acoustic guitar,” I told him, “writing some songs, and even learning bass.”
    “Good for you, sweetie. I always knew you had natural talent. How’s school?”
    “Pretty good.” I told him how I decided to be a senior.
    “That makes sense to me too,” he admitted. “You’ve always been mature for your age.”
    “And guess who’s in town?”
    His silence told me that he was either stumped or had guessed.
    “Shannon.”
    “I’m sorry, Maya. I heard she’d been released. I was hoping she’d leave you alone.”
    “Me too, but that’s not happening.”
    “She’s not staying at the Petersons’, is she?”
    “Thankfully, Uncle Allen pulled in the welcome mat.”
    “Smart man.”
    “So what am I supposed to do about her, Dad?”
    Another long silence.
    “I mean, she’s not my responsibility, is she?” Okay, I know the answer to this, but I was looking for validation.
    “Of course not, sweetie. Shannon is a grown woman; it’s about time she took care of herself.”
    So I told him about Marissa’s dad and their clever plan for Shannon to play nurse to Marissa.
    Dad groaned. “I met Adam at your dinner party last summer, Maya. He seemed like a sane person to me.”
    “I think he’s desperate.” So I explained about Marissa in the nursing home and how it’s not the best situation for her recovery.
    “And being cared for by Shannon will be an improvement?”
    This time
I
groaned.
    “Isn’t Adam in law enforcement?”
    “Yeah.”
    “And Shannon is aware of this?”
    “Of course.”
    “And she’s okay with it?” He chuckled.
    “You think Adam will keep her in line?”
    “I don’t think anyone can keep your mother in line, Maya.”
    “You mean your ex-wife, Dad?”
    “Yes.”
    “I mean, you’re the one who chose her. I didn’t really have a say in the matter.”
    “I know…and I’m sorry. But