"I don't care. I just have to change and then I'll be over."
"Hey, bring your books this time."
"Why?"
"I have homework to do and so do you. I was serious when I said I don't want you falling behind."
"Homework can wait. I don't want to waste our time together doing school work."
"We'll still be together. We'll just be studying instead of watching TV."
"Can we still do other stuff?" I say in a flirty tone.
"There's always time for that."
"Okay, give me a few minutes. I'll be there soon."
I change clothes, then grab my backpack, deciding not to waste time figuring out what I need. I'll just bring it all. I doubt I'll even study.
As I'm leaving out the front door, I stop when I hear Brock talking. He's by the garage, his back to me, the phone to his ear.
"It's been weeks since I've heard from him," he says. "I know what I told him but I've told him that numerous times and he always comes back."
Is he talking about Devon? It kind of sounds like it. I remain on the porch, ducking behind the wall so he won't see me if he turns around.
"I need you to find him," Brock says. "I don't want him coming here but I need to know where he is. Rumor said she heard from him but I don't know if she was telling me the truth or if she said it to test me, to see if I'd tell her more."
He's quiet, and I listen for footsteps, hoping he's not walking over here.
"Yes, go ahead," Brock says. He sounds closer to me but I can't look to find out. "El Centro? Are you sure? When was he last seen there?" Brock gets quiet, then says, "If he was that close to the border he could be in Mexico by now. Let me know what you find out."
I quickly go back in the house.
The door swings open. "Going somewhere?" Brock asks, noticing my backpack.
"I'm studying at Jackson's house."
"I thought he wasn't going to school this week."
"He's not, but he's doing the homeschool thing. He has homework to do."
"Good. I'm glad you two are doing something productive. When will you be home?"
"I don't know." I go around him to the door. "Were you out taking a walk?"
He chuckles. "I don't take walks. I was just outside getting some fresh air."
"Oh. Okay, well, see you tomorrow." I go out the door.
"Tomorrow?" he calls after me.
I ignore him and keep walking. I didn't pack anything to spend the night but if Jackson's okay with it, I plan to stay over.
When I get to Jackson's, his dad answers the door.
"Rumor," he says, his brows rising. "Was Jackson expecting you?"
"Yeah. We're studying together."
