She shakes her head at me.“You wouldn’t be tripping over anything if you actually picked up after yourself.”
I sigh, not about to add fuel to this conversation.I had to throw a fit—well, a little one—when I was thirteen to keep her from sending Magda into my room to clean it up, demanding privacy.She gave in, reluctantly.
“I wanted to see how you were doing after what Kenneth said at dinner.He’s such an ass.”
I smile warmly.“I’m fine.It just surprised me.I didn’t know the rest of the office knew about”—I attempt to lower my voice—“my friends.”Oh, I hope Jonathan isn’t listening.But that’s a dumb thing to wish, considering he’s probably holding his breathtolisten.
“It’s not something your father could hide exactly, although he’s tried to be discreet.”
Mom steps further into the room, and I shift to stay between her and the other side of the bed.She sits on the side closest to the door, and I can’t breathe.I want to look behind her to see if he’s still there.I doubt there’s even enough room beneath my bed for him to slide under it.I have no idea what I kicked under there just to avoid putting it away.I silently swear to clean every inch of my room if we don’t get caught right now.
“I hate to ask you… but do you think you could maybe spend less time with the boys for a little while?Until we can get a handle on the campaign.I want to be careful for the next few months.This is a special election, so it’ll just be until February.I wish I didn’t have to…”
“You don’t want me to be seen with my best friends?”I clarify like there’s no way she just asked this of me.
“Please?”The plea reaches her eyes, like she wishes she didn’t have to ask.But I feel the weight of it, like my answer will determine the election.
I don’t answer.How can I?Especially with Jonathan a few feet away.And now that we’re finally together-ish.
She stands, having said what she needed to say.She brushes a hand across my cheek and kisses my forehead.“Thank you, sweetie.It’ll help your father.He really wants to make a difference and improve the system.You understand that.”
“I know.”My words are quiet, and so is my heart.My mother leaves me staring at the closed door.
Jonathan shuffles out from under the bed.I spin around.“They don’t want you hanging out with us?”
“I… it’s… I won’t do it.They can’t make me.”And I’m back to being the defiant, petulant child.Sulking isn’t going to change the situation.But really, this is not fair.Not now!
Jonathan sighs.It’s a breath that says everything and sends panic rushing through me.My heart skips a beat.I remain frozen, waiting for the words.But they don’t come.He runs a hand through his hair and walks toward the window, his head hung low.
Without looking back, he slips out onto the branch.I don’t call to him, begging him not to listen to them.I don’t do anything but watch him leave.This feels familiar.Heartbreakingly so.
Chapter Six
Ishrink away from the boysand swat at the sticks they poke at me.
“Say something,” Jonas taunts, jabbing me in the back with the branch.“What’s wrong with you?Say something.”
The three other boys laugh, which only makes him poke harder.“Did you get brain damage or something?”
“Maybe she got dropped on her head,” Gil says, his buck teeth jutting out from under his smiling lips.
I swat my arm at the sticks again.
“What are you doing?”
The boys turn.
Jonathan’s shadow stretches across them.Collin is standing beside him with his arms crossed.
“Nothing.”Gil doesn’t drop the stick or walk away.“Just trying to talk to her.”
“Put down the sticks and leave her alone,” Jonathan demands.“She doesn’t want to talk to you.”
“Why would she?”Collin adds.“Your breath smells.”
I cover my mouth to hide the smile.
“What is she, your girlfriend or something?”Jonas says.And the boys laugh even though it’s not really funny.
