"Is this about Haverhill?"
"Yes," I say with a sigh. "My dad called this morning and said he's cutting me off if I don't go back."
"Cutting you off? Like not giving you money?"
"He said he won't pay for college or law school or a car. I'll be on my own. He's trying to control me and I hate it. He always does this but it's not going to work this time."
"Brook, maybe you should consider this. It's only for a few months. We could find a way to see each other. I'll get a job and get my car fixed. I'll come see you every weekend."
My shoulders slump as I stare down at his bed. "There's more."
"What else does he want?"
"He wants me to break up with you." I look back at Dean. "Obviously I'm not doing that. I tried to tell him but he wouldn't listen. He doesn't care what makes me happy. He just wants me to do whatever he says. He's used to getting his way, and when he doesn't he uses threats and ultimatums."
"He doesn't even know me. Why does he want you to break up with me?"
"Because you're not Chad, or a guy similar to Chad."
"So he wants you to date a rich guy."
"Rich, and part of the world I left, with the fancy houses, expensive cars and where everyone belongs to the country club."
"Maybe your mom could talk to him."
"It wouldn't help. My mom's starting to change her mind about staying here. She wants to go back to being rich. She's been hanging out with her old friends and now she's dating this guy who's even richer than my dad. I got in a fight with her this morning because I wouldn't go to brunch with Chad and his parents."
"You broke up with him. Why would you go to brunch with him?”
"His parents invited us, and my mom accepted their invite. I refused to go so she went without me."
"Does this mean she wants you to get back with Chad?"
"She didn't come out and say that but I know it's what she wants."
"So what are you going to do?"
"Nothing. I'm not going back to Haverhill and I'm not breaking up with you. I don't care what my parents say. I'm not letting them bully me."
He smiles. "Yeah, you don't put up with bullies."
I lean down and kiss him. "I love you. And I'm not breaking up with you."
There's a knock on the door. "Can I come in?"
Moving off the bed, I look over and see a police officer at the door.
Dean quickly sits up. "What's going on? Did something happen?"
The officer walks up to Dean's bed. "I have some news."
"About Jake?" Dean asks, sounding as panicked as I feel.
"Yes." He glances at me. "Do you want her here?"
"Yeah, she's my girlfriend. Tell me what's going on."
"A kid showed up at a police station in Indianapolis. He says his name is Jacob Sanders."
