Page 40 of Tobias

Have fun.

Why does it seem like he’s upset?

Why do I get satisfaction out of that?

Are you drunk yet?

Not yet. Why?

I’m waiting for you to say stupid things to me.

The response I get has me a little shocked.

Is telling you that knowing you’re going on a date with someone who isn’t me makes me mad,stupid?

Never mind. I know it’s stupid.

Can I unsend that?

Just don’t read it. Please.

Okay, I’m going to jump off a cliff now.

Maybe he’s drunk and he doesn’t realize it. I’m definitely not drunk after one glass of wine, so there isn’t an excuse for what I say to him next.

We could hang out after?

Those dots dance again, on and off for a long time.

Jason drops onto the couch beside me, letting out a heavy sigh. I know better than to talk to him about my sister. He doesn’t get mad about it, but I’m wasting my breath because he’ll just give some stupid line like, “You know how your sister is.”

Thanks. That’s really fucking helpful.

I hear my mother and sister in the kitchen, clanking around and cleaning up. Normally I would help. Cleaning up used to be my favorite thing. Dad and I did it together. Mom and Molly cooked, me and Dad cleaned. Now I just don’t care.

“Who you rooting for?” I ask, gesturing to the TV.

“Giants. You?”

“Same.”

He nods, eyes focused on the TV.

I feel bad for Jason. There’s no way he’s happy with his life. His family is on the other side of the country and here he is, stuck with my miserable sister. She never used to be this angry. One day, she just woke up a bitch. I’m not sure what happened. It wasn’t even right after Dad died, so I can’t blame that.

Twenty minutes later, they’re bringing out the pumpkin pie my mother made. It’s tradition because it was my father’s favorite. Every year she makes one, even if she hates it. Molly puts it down on the coffee table in front of us, while my mother puts down the plates, utensils, and a container of cool whip.

They get to work cutting slices, topping it with the cream and passing them out. I stare down at the piece, not wanting to eat it because I don’t like pumpkin either. I never have, but I always pretended to love it because my dad loved it and I wanted to be just like him. So I force myself to eat it because even though no one else will do anything for him, I always will. Because I loved him. More than anyone else ever did.

Chapter Fifteen

Theodore

“Are you sure?” I ask as I grab my coat from the rack.

“Yes, sweetie. I’m sure. Lindsey will be here in like twenty minutes.” Marianne leans in to kiss my cheek. “It’s cute that you’re worried.”

“I’m not worried,” I say.

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