Page 111

I slide the ring of broken promises from my finger and stuff it onto the small arm of my purple friend.

“Keep this safe for me.”

I open my closet and tuck it between sweaters on the top shelf.

“Ready to go?” Gavin shouts from the hall.

“Yup,” I call back.

I pick up the last bag that I’m taking with me, the one filled with pictures of friends and memories I want to hold onto. The ones that hurt too much are in a box under my bed.

Gavin’s waiting for me in his car while I hug my parents and Magda goodbye.

“We’re proud of you,” my mother tells me. I take a breath and allow myself to be filled with that same pride. I’m doing this for me. That’s what I keep reminding myself.

Thanks for driving me,” I tell Gavin, still surprised he volunteered to take me to Boston. I’ve decided to leave my car at home since Boston’s pretty easy to get around using the transit system, or so I’ve been told.

“Not a problem,” he says as we pass through Hollis toward the highway.

The ride is quiet other than the music Gavin insists he’s in charge of—being his car and all. Whatever.

An hour into the drive, Gavin breaks the silence. “I’m glad you’re doing this.”

“Going to grad school?”

“That and finally deciding who you want to be when you grow up. If you ever do grow up.” I stick my tongue out at him. He rolls his eyes at me. “You know the same reason you’re choosing social work is the same reason I joined the prosecutor's office.”

He’s got my full attention. I expected him to choose a lucrative career, considering his vanity and need to show off. I never understood why he elected to become a public servant.

“I’m not taking the same path as Dad. Fuck the cycles. People have choices, and if they can’t tell what’s right or wrong, then I’ll be there to put their ass behind bars.”

I blink. “I’m pretty sure that’s not what I’m doing. I’m actually trying to protect them from the people who hurt them.”

“Exactly. And I’m putting those people away. Taking them out of their lives.”

I consider his twisted reasoning. “I guess.”

“A wrong is a wrong, Sadie. Even if it’s done to protect others. Even those who can’t defend themselves.”

There’s a message in here. I’m just consciously deciding not to poke at it.

“Is this why you offered to drive me? To keep me trapped in a car while you convince me the world is filled with evil and no wrong act is justified? Because you know I don’t believe it’s that black and white. Never will. So can we talk about something else? Like… are you jealous of Kendrick? He’s so amazing.”

Gavin lets out a frustrated breath but doesn’t continue presenting his case.

“I love you.”

I’m so shocked, I’m convinced I didn’t hear him correctly. “What? Twice in a week? Are you coming down with something?”

Gavin rolls his eyes again. “I said, I love you. Deal with it.”

I’m about to make a smartass remark but stop myself. “I love you too.”

“I know,” he says, reminding me why he and Collin are friends. I swat at him, and he catches my hand, laughing at my meek attempt. Then proceeds to hold it. I don’t know the last time my brother’s held my hand. I squeeze his and smile at him. Until he tries to put my finger up my nose and I yank it away.

“You’re so disgusting. You’re lucky you’re my brother, or I might break up with you.”

“You’re the lucky one. And you don’t break up with friends.”