He mumbles something incoherent and rolls over.
“Zachary,” I yell as he shoots straight up in the bed and shouts, “What?”
“You’re going to flunk freshman year if you don’t show up for class.”
He grumbles, “I’ll manage. I was just tired this morning.”
“You really shouldn’t miss any more days unless you have a valid reason.”
My brother climbs out the bed as he yawns, “Yes, advice from the basket case. My life should be on track in no time.”
“You’re right. I’m not one to give advice but you’re the one who will be in high school for eight years. So, good luck.”
“Thanks, sis,” he replies.
Anthony appears at the door. “I attempted to get him up this morning. Your father should be home tonight, and I’ll speak with him.”
“Thank you,” I tell the poor guy who shouldn’t have to deal with this.
I spend a few hours in my room, staring at the walls before I go downstairs. When I get to the kitchen, I see the light on in Luca’s bedroom and decide that I’d rather be in there with him than here.
Showering and pulling on a T-shirt and cotton shorts, I walk over to his house. He’s told me a million times to walk in, but I still knock and wait for someone to open the door. The housekeeper does this time, smiling and waving me in before I head upstairs.
When I get to his room, the bedroom door is open and he’s watching a movie, his hands are behind his head, his back on the headboard. I climb into the bed as I rest my back against his chest, and he pulls me closer to him. After a few minutes, I turn to the side and nestle against him.
“You can pick something else,” he offers.
“No, this is good.” Because I’m not here to watch anything. I’m here for the supportive guy under me, the reassuring hand rubbing up my back, and the little serenity I get as I drift off to sleep.
73
LUCA
“We could skip,” I offer as we walk up to school. She doesn’t seem any more thrilled to be here than I am. And the day has barely began.
When she doesn’t respond, I move in front of her. “Say the word, and we’re out of here.”
She says, “I can’t. I just fussed at my brother about skipping school.”
“Hey, man.” Cain jogs up to us as I give Ivy one more quick peck before I turn and say, “Morning.”
“Did you hear?” he asks, looking at Ivy.
“Hear what?” she replies.
“About Principal Guidry. Brooke found her on the floor last night. She was attacked.”
“Oh my God.” Ivy gasps as she asks, “Is her mom okay?”
“Yes, I think so. She’s alive, but she’s pretty banged up.”
Ivy clicks on her phone screen. “What hospital?”
Cain gives her the information before he asks me, “Could it have something to do with Mercy?”
“It wasn’t the game,” I reply.
Ivy adds, “It was her dad.”
