“Collin!This isn’t okay.I’ve already had one friend in the hospital because someone hurt her…” Nothing about me is calm or confident.Every answer he gives freaks me out more.I’m not convinced of anything, not until I know for certain Jonathan won’t be harmed while in that house.
“It won’t be like that.”
“How do you know?”How can we know anything if Jonathan won’t be honest with us?
“Have you met Jonathan?Do you think he’ll let his dad hurt him if he can help it?”
“He said he’s never hit him before.What I saw was the first time he fought back.Is that true?”This is what happens when we don’t talk.I don’t know what is and isn’t the full truth—without omission or deliberate misdirection.And Collin isn’t helping me feel more secure despite whatever deal they made.
“As far as I know.I didn’t get a historical account of their battles.”
“Don’t be like this.This is serious.”My stomach hurts—and not because of all the sugar I’ve been eating.
“I know.”He sighs and sets down the tube of frosting.“I know it is.I’m sorry I don’t sound like I’m taking it seriously.I just… don’t know what to do.And I’m as frustrated as you are, I promise.”Collin finally lets the worry reveal itself in the set of his brows and resignation in his voice.
“I think you andIshould make a deal.”
“What kind of deal?”He looks like he doesn’t trust me.Since when was I labeled the manipulating mastermind among us?I just want to know the truth and for Jonathan to be safe.
“That if we know he’s being hurt, we tell someone.”I can’t sit by and allow someone I love to be hurt again.I will no longer be a passive spectator.
“I like my deal better.”
“Then tell me what it is.”I cross my arms and wait.When he hesitates, I widen my eyes, urging him to spill.
“That he moves out.And lives with me until we go to college.”
I consider this, but it doesn’t exactly solve theproblem.“That works, I guess.But why can’t we tell someone?”
“Because then they’ll have to investigate the home.And Jonathan doesn’t want anything to happen to his mom and Ryan.Besides, every cop in town knows Jonathan for the fights he gets into.Do you think he has a chance against his dad?”
I bite at my lip.“My dad is about to be elected prosecutor.Maybe he can…”
Collin is shaking his head.“I bet it’s a conflict or something.”
I scoff.“How do you know?”
“Mock trial, remember?”
I want to laugh at him.“I thought you were in Model UN and young professionals of America.”
“Iwasin Model UN.Left after your brother graduated.He’s the only reason I joined to begin with.”
I forgot about that.“I thought your idolizing days ended in seventh grade.”Whoever could worship the cunning mind of Gavin Prescott has to be disturbed.It was actually very disturbing when all Collin could talk about was my brother throughout sixth grade.I think that’s one of the reasons I started hanging out with girls more at school.
“I don’tidolizehim.He’s just a badass debater, and we always won when he was on our team.”He still idolizes him, I can tell.Collin would follow my brother around and take notes on his strategies for gaining the upper hand in any situation if he could.I know he has big aspirations, but he definitely needs a better role model.
“Whatever.So, you’re saying, with all of yourmock trial experience, that my dad can’t legally intervene?”
“Ask your brother.Maybe he’ll know.”
“I try not to talk to my brother if I can help it.”
“You know he loves showing off his Columbia education.Just don’t tell him it’s for Jonathan.Find a way to make it sound like you’re asking about Danika.”
I consider this.I really don’t want to have this conversation, but he may be my best resource, and I can’t rely on Collin and Jonathan’s deal to be the only option.“Maybe.He’s supposed to be home tomorrow after his last final.”
“Are you going to Darren’s half-day party tomorrow?Guess his parents already left for Florida.”
