When Jem spoke again, the forced calm was even worse, somehow, than the strain.He was still barely more than a shadow, and somehow that made him seem much, much younger as he wiped his eyes.“I’m good.I’m okay.Sorry about that.”Another laugh, this one disbelieving rather than angry.“I promise I’m not crazy.”
Tean’s phone started to buzz.
“I know him,” Jem said.He laughed again, and now itwasangry.And the edge in his voice was too sharp for humor when he continued, “He was my foster dad.One of them.”
The phone was still buzzing.
On the other side of what felt like thick fog, something in Tean’s brain recognized that it was probably Ammon calling.That Daniel had called him, sobbing and incoherent, and Ammon was undoubtedly panicking.
Tean didn’t let himself think about it too much.He answered the phone with “Hey, everything’s okay, but I think you should come down here.”
The silence lasted a beat too long.And then Tean’s dad said, “What?”
“Dad?”
“What’s going on?”His father’s voice was stiff.“Is something wrong?”
“No.Everything’s okay.I’m sorry, I’m in the middle of something.Can I call you later?”
“Your grandfather passed away tonight.”
Tean wasn’t sure how long it took before he said, “What?”
“Your grandfather is dead,” he said.“We’re all getting together at my place.”
“Oh.Dad, I’m sorry.How are you doing?”
“I’m all right.”
Jem was still standing there.Still a shadow.
“Dad, I’m really sorry.I’m handling something right now, and it’s kind of an emergency.Can I call you in a bit—”
“You’re always busy.You don’t need to call back.”
2
Somehow, Tean got Jem into the Subaru.He went back inside to check on Daniel, only to discover the boy had locked himself in the bathroom and wouldn’t come out.Justin and the other teens from Daniel’s group were clumped together near the door, watching Tean with expressions that ranged from wary to downright hostile.Maybe the worst part was Daniel’s hoodie hanging from Justin’s hand.
“His dad will be here soon,” Tean said.“I’m sorry about what happened.”
None of them answered, which was maybe a good thing.
Nasha was busy dealing with upset and angry adults in the main room, which wasdefinitelya good thing, so Tean escaped outside and waited on the sidewalk until he saw Ammon pull up in a silver Impala.Ammon spotted him—of course—but tonight, at least, Ammon only raised a hand before hurrying into Rainbow House.
When Tean got into the Subaru, Jem was leaning back in his seat, staring at the headliner.
“I’m going to go to jail,” Jem said.
“You’re not going to jail,” Tean said.
“Yeah, I am.They’re going to arrest me.Assault and battery and—oh my God, Tean.Oh my God.Oh my God, I really fucked up.”
“Everything is going to be okay,” Tean said.
Jem ran his hands over his face.After a moment, he nodded.
“Are you okay?”Tean finally asked.“What do you need right now?”
