The driver takes off on the road.
I look through the back window, wondering if my dad saw us. But he’s not there. It’s a dead street, quiet. Relief floods through me.
Zinnia grabs my hand and then buckles her seatbelt with the other.
I hold her hand tight. “Everything’s going to be okay.”
She whispers, “Who are they?”
Number 39 looks back at us and turns toward Zinnia.
“My name is Jax. What’s your name?”
She looks at me, then at him.
“My name is Zinnia,” she says shyly.
Jax looks at me, taking me in. I stare back, not knowing why he’s staring.
“And your name?” he asks.
Zinnia turns to me. “He doesn’t know your name?”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “My name’s Tigerlily.”
Jax nods once. “This is Zeff.”
“Zeff?” Zinnia questions.
The driver glances at us in the rearview mirror. “Short for Zephyr.”
“Where are you taking us?” Zinnia asks.
Jax looks at me briefly. Then faces forward.
“Just to our place until your dad cools off. Is that alright with you?”
Zinnia nods.
I squeeze her hand.
Then I look forward and try to breathe.
The drive is quiet.
Zinnia leans against me with her head on my shoulder. I wrap my arm around her and pull her close.
We’ve always had each other. Even when Mom left. Even when Dad got worse. It’s been me and her against the world. She’s the only person I trust completely. The only person who has my back.
She whispers against my shoulder. “You really don’t know them?”
“I promise I’ve never met them before.”
“Then how—”
I whisper, “I don’t know.”
But I do. Kind of.
