I admire my sister’s drive and passion. I’ve never had that kind of enthusiasm for anything.
“I wanted to make sure you’re going to be home tonight. The family is coming for dinner,” Mum says.
“The family? Everyone?” I groan. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family. They’re just… a lot to handle when they’re all together.
“Yep, everyone. I expect you to be here, Ares,” Mum says.
“Sure,” I reply mindlessly, watching where Zara has pulled in on the other side of the carpark.
There are a few other cars, and students are starting to walk around. Zara pulls her visor down. She wipes at her face, under her eyes, and then I watch her put some drops into them.
“Mum, why do you think someone who has everything they could ever want could be sad a lot?” I ask.
“Are you sad, Ares?”
“No. It’s hypothetical,” I say.
“Is it your sister?” Mum presses.
“No, Mum. Just curious,” I tell her.
“I don’t know, Ares. Sometimes something happens to people and it can make them depressed. But sometimes, people suffer with depression and there is no reason for it.”
“How do you help someone who’s depressed?”
“Other than showing the person that you’re there for them, I would highly suggest professional help. There isn’t a lot you can do, Ares,” Mum says.
“Right.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
My eyes are still trained on the inside of Zara’s car. Something flickers, a flame, and then I see exactly what she’s doing. Smoking. Little Zara McKinley is smoking.What the actual fuck?
“Yeah, I’m good. I gotta go.” I climb out of the car and head in her direction.
“Make sure you’re home tonight, Ares,” Mum says.
“I will be. Bye, Mum. Love you.” I cut the call and pocket my phone. Zara doesn’t notice me approach. She really should be more aware of her surroundings.
Opening her passenger side door, I jump in and close it. As soon as I do, it’s obvious she’s not in here smoking a cigarette.
“What the fuck are you doing?” I snatch the blunt from her hands, bringing it to my mouth and taking a drag.
“I was enjoying that. Why are you in my car? And I want that back.” When she tries to reach for the joint, I open the door and throw it outside the car. “What the hell, Ares!”
“Why are you getting high at eight in the fucking morning, Zara?” I get it. I’m being hypocritical, but I get high because I like it. I don’t think Zara is smoking for the same reason.
“I don’t have to answer to you. Now, get the hell out of my car!” she screams.
“No.”
“What do you meanno? Get out, Ares, now.” Her voice gets louder, and a couple of students walking past look our way.
“You’re causing a scene, P.” I smirk. I don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks around here. But I know her, and I know shecares.
“You’recausing a scene, Ares. Why are you doing this?”
“Doing what?”
