Page 123 of The Apple Tree

“He didn’t go to school,” I explained.

She nodded slowly before sliding the chips into the bag and picking up the tipped cup. “I can see that. Why not?”

“You didn’t wake me before you left, and he didn’t wake me in time to get him to the bus. And it’s not a good idea to leave a five-year-old and a puppy unattended.”

“I set a timer for him to wake you. He was watching TV. And Clifford had already done his business. He shouldn’t have beenunattendedany longer than he’s been when you’ve walked me home,” she said on her way to the kitchen.

Josh stirred, rubbing his eyes before opening them.

“We’re in trouble, buddy,” I whispered. “You need to pick up your toys or Eve won’t make us dinner.”

His eyes widened.

I nodded toward the mess. “Get going.”

Josh slid off the sofa and started depositing his cars into one of my old shoe boxes.

“I set the timer, Mister,” Eve said, standing over him with her hands on her hips.

“I forgot.” He shrugged, putting on the lid to the box and carrying it toward the stairs.

“When he hears that timer,” I said, “ifhe hears it, I think his brain is trained to assume someone (not him) needs to take something out of the oven. But it was a good try, and I appreciate you letting me sleep in.”

She wiped up the spilled milk. “What you said last night, it upset me. Ihatethe constant reminders that I’m so young.”

“Eve—”

“But …” she turned, folding the milk-soaked rag, “What you said to your brother and Anne …” She took a moment as if to keep her composure.

“It was so much more than I ever expected. There was this moment where I wondered who you were talking about.Sheseemed like an amazing person, but that person didn’t feel like me.” Eve pointed her gaze at the floor.

“I meant it.”

“I know. I just feel unworthy of it. Like you said those things in an effort to set the bar high. And now I have expectations to live up to.”

“Which part wasn’t true?”

She peeked up at me. “Do you really think I have an old soul?”

“I think anyone who gleans so much information from their grandmother must have an old soul. You have respect for her wisdom and willingly learn everything she has to teach you. And you’re empathetic.”

Eve chewed on the inside of her cheek. “Is your brother going to tell my dad about us?”

“No. He knows it’s something I need to do. Trust me, he wants it to be me who tells your dad.”

“When are you telling my dad?”

“Whenever you want.”

She frowned. “Why the change of heart? You wanted us to keep things a secret.”

“And you needed the world to know. I want to give you what you need.”

Eve remained idle in deep thought, still gnawing away at the inside of her cheek. “Will you hate me if I don’t want to tell my parents yet?” she murmured.

I squinted for a few seconds before slowly shaking my head. Eve felt like a seedling I’d been given to transplant, not likeJosh who had been rooted in my life since the beginning of his. Despite her strong will and determination, Eve was fragile. I knew I could lose her if the conditions weren’t just right. And it reaffirmed why I felt so terrified.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

---