“I haven’t eaten dinner yet.”
“I don’t give a damn.”
I figure I’ve caused enough havoc for one night, so I leave, but not to go back to Ricky’s. I need dinner first.
It’s just after midnight when I arrive back at the house. Damn, I don’t have a key and all the lights are off. At least my uncle is asleep. I don’t feel like dealing with his bullshit. Maybe the front door was left unlocked for me. I twist the doorknob and push.
Thank God for small favors.I step inside then close it as quietly as I can.Home free.When I turn from the door, a light is switched on.
Fuck.
Ricky is leaning against the banister.
“Where have you been?”
“Out,” I answer nonchalantly.
“There are rules here. You can’t do whatever you want.”
“Well, that’s a problem for me because I like breaking rules,” I say mockingly.
His jaw clenches. He’s losing patience quickly.
“Sheriff Andy came by earlier.”
“And just what did the good ole sheriff have to say?”
“You were speeding, and you got into a fight with a group of boys.”
“I was defending myself. Every American has the right to defend themselves.”
I’m done talking. I move to walk by him, but he grabs my arm to stop my progress.
I snatch my arm back. “Don’t you ever touch me again.”
“Art, I’m not the enemy.”
“Are you my savior then?”
“I want to help.”
“It’s too late for that.”
“Give this a chance.”
“I can’t be helped!” I shout.
“That day I found you—”
“Where were you? When I woke up in the hospital, you were gone. If you cared so much… If you wanted to help me… Where the fuck did you go?”
“Your mother was in no shape to make any decisions at that time. She gave that right to my father. He prevented me from visiting you. My hands were tied. There was nothing I could do.”
“You could’ve tried harder.”
“I’m sorry I failed you, but I’m here now. Don’t let this be the end of the road. You have the rest of your life ahead of you.”
“My life ended the night Cole’s did.”
