I laugh and shake my head.“I doubt it.”
The front door opens behind them, and someone steps out.“Evan, your mother is looking for you to…” The unfinished sentence hangs in the air, and I suddenly stop breathing.
I know you’re mad at me, Doctor.You have every right to be.I didn’t want to come with you.I kept you hidden again.You felt rejected, and it’s all my fault.
“I’m picking up some awkward tension,” Ryan says.“How about you, Evan?”
“I feel like we’re in the middle of a fucking mess.”
“Evan,” the Doctor says through gritted teeth.
“Maybe we should avoid getting dragged into this new leap of shit.Agreed?”Evan asks Ryan.
Ryan and Evan stand close together now, almost inseparable; they’re like twins.
Ryan glances at Evan, then turns to me.“Can we leave you alone?”he asks.
“Will you fuck off, Ryan?”I reply.
“Only if Evan shows me the way.”
“What the fuck does that have to do with me?”Evan snaps.
“You’re always in on it, kid.I’m sure this is your doing.You haven’t minded your own business this time either, have you?”
“Piss off.Both of you!”the Doctor snaps.
Ryan spins towards the Doctor.“Excuse me?”he says, as Evan bursts out laughing.
Am I really about to start a fight in Chris’ garden to defend his honour?
“Piss the fuck off.”
“Are you serious, Doctor?”Ryan steps in close, menacing.
“Oh, please.I could take you down with one finger.”
Ryan laughs mockingly.“Careful.You might end up with your death and your son’s birthday on the same day.”
“You see that vein there?The one on your neck?”
Ryan instinctively touches his neck.
“All I need is a few seconds.A little pressure in the right spot.”
I like you so damn much, Doctor, when you don’t hold back.
Evan grabs Ryan’s arm.“Come on, Ryan.Let’s not fuck up today, or Mum will never forgive us.”
“We are not finished, Doctor.”
“Anytime.”
“And you two,” Evan turns to us.“No bullshit, or I won’t forgive you.”
Ryan and Evan go inside, leaving the Doctor and me alone in the garden.
“The kid’s coming along well,” I say, trying to lighten the mood.
