“It means, from the ashes. When everything burns to the ground, a phoenix rises from the tragedy. Good things are coming for you Asher, I know it,” I say kindly, putting my hand on his shoulder.
Asher stares at me, understanding dawning in his blue eyes as he fully understands what I’m trying to say.
“And I’ll be here every step of the way to help you succeed,” I vow, holding my hand out in front of my chest.
“Right back at you, Ty. My success is yours.” He takes my hand and we shake, before he pulls me in for a hug. “Thank you.”
“No, Asher,thank you.”
The next morning after tossing and turning on the most uncomfortable couch all night, I’m surprisingly alert and excited for school.
This never happens.
“Come on, Asher,” I groan, standing at the front door with Hunter, “We’re going to be late.”
“That never bothered you before.” Asher steps out of the bedroom he shares with Hunter, hair still wet from his shower and dark circles that I know I have just as badly under his eyes.
Yeah, well I didn’t have a delightful little morsel of a girl in my homeroom before,I think.
Outwardly, I shrug and roll my eyes.
“The walk isn’t going to get quicker,” I say and huff out a breath, opening the front door, ushering the Lee brothers out of the house.
“Okay, okay, pushy.” Asher locks the door and pockets his keys. “What the hell has gotten into you?”
“Nothing, just excited to get to school.” I put my hands on the straps of my backpack and start walking.
“Do you think there’s a girl?” Hunter whispers to Asher and my shoulders bunch up.
“I think there might be.”
Let them gossip. I’m just excited to get a glimpse of her again.
CHAPTER 3
This foster familyis probably the best foster family I’ve had.
That alone immediately puts me on edge.
Don’t get comfortable, Roxie. Nothing lasts forever.
Tom, the dad, woke me up early today and asked if I wanted to learn how to fight. I think he’s trying to bond with me, which is a good thing right?
Don’t get comfortable, Roxie, my inner voice whispers again.
I thought it seemed like an intriguing idea so I said yes. Besides, who doesn’t want to learn how to be a badass?
Learning how to fight will probably be very, very beneficial for me. I have three more years in the system, and then I never have to be under anyone’s thumb again.
Tom put me through a workout and I threw up on the side of the house at six in the morning. But I really, really like how it made me feel. Strong, capable,able to defend myself.
After getting ready for the day, I walk into first period, homeroom, trying not to be hopeful that Ty is there waiting for me. I’m able to walk through the hallways without anyone really paying attention to me, but there’s always a leering look—always. Hopefully there aren’t any handsy fucks at this school.
“That’s a good look on you, baby.” Some stupid senior winks at me as I pass, his eyes glued to my bare legs in the black mini skirt I’m wearing. But I just roll my eyes and keep walking.
“Hey!” The brunette jock with a blue letterman jacket pushes out of the group of friends he was standing by and grabs me by the handle of my backpack. “I was talking to you. The least you could do is say thank you.”
“I didn’t ask for your opinion on my outfit,” I sneer.
