Page 24 of Always Mine

After his mother left him alone and the girls were escorted home with police officers, he called Will.

“Hey,” Will said. “I’m on my way over. One of the cops told me you got a brick through the window.”

“Yep. I need your help.”

“Anything for you, buddy.”

* * *

Annie smiled at her class, despite the whirlwind of emotion inside her. “Everyone, take out your journal and your bookRifles for Wati. Before we read Chapter 6, I want you to record what you remember about the secondary characters.”

Annie retrieved her own journal and listed the characters from memory; she’d taught this lesson before. After ten minutes, she said, “Okay guys, raise your hand if you want to participate. And remember you get points for taking part in class discussion.” To remain at Pathways, the kids had to have a minimum of 65 average in all classes.

Frankie Pecorino’s hand shot up.

“Give me one, Frankie.”

“Noah Babbitt, the printer who walked from Topeka to Galveston to see some flowers.” He scowled. “Kinda stupid, if you ask me.”

“We’ll see. Bryce?”

“Seth Lear. He was too young to carry a gun as a civilian but old enough to die in war. Which really sucks.”

“Harlan?”

“Heifer was big and ugly. He liked sourdough biscuits. I remember because I like‘em too.”

That made her smile. These boys were would-be criminals, but sometimes they were just kids.

“Some chick named Lucy Washbourne.” This from Louis. “She’s a badass rebel.”

Timmy was the last to volunteer. “That jerk Captain Clardy. He’s downright mean.”

“All very good, gentlemen. I’m pleased you retained so much. Now, let’s read until the end of the hour.”

She began the sad tale out loud. The boys seemed to be in the story’s grip, which was just what she wanted. When class ended, she straightened up her room then sat at her desk checking her plans for tomorrow. Soon, Seth came to her door.

She saw him from the corner of her eye. “Hey, you’re back.”

“Hmm. Just today.” He didn’t look like he’d taken a three-day vacation to a cabin with his brother. His eyes were dull and his face lined. “How are you?”

“I’m okay. You?”

He walked inside and stuck his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “Still confused. And a bit angry.”

“That’s understandable. I’m sorry I’ve made you sad.”

“I don’t get it, Annie. I thought everything was fine.”

Tell him. Don’t let this go on.

But what wasthis? She still couldn’t comprehend why Diego was back in the picture. No, she’d wait until she did.

“You said you’d give me time.”

“It’d help if I knew for what?”

“I think I’m just going through a phase. I need to put the brakes on before we settle down.”

---