Page 78 of Rebellious

It wasn’t the swear word that caught my attention. It was the fact she was willing to risk punishment to be there for my father—mine, not hers.

“They’ll be okay,” I say, but even I didn’t believe it.

She shrugs. “Fine. See ya.”

She darts back up the path and I have to sprint to catch up. Reaching the top of the hill, Aspen draws to a stop. There, amongst thousands of white headstones, is my father, sobbing into Theo’s shirt. My mother and aunt are on the ground, locked in each other’s arms, consoling each other as they watch my father break down in front of one specific gravestone.

“That’s my uncle’s grave,” I tell Aspen, my voice detached.

She nods. “I know.”

“He’s never visited his gravesite before.”

She doesn’t hesitate. “I know.”

“He still thinks he killed him.” I’ve heard him and my mom argue about it when they think Drew and I are asleep. It doesn’t happen often, but occasionally, something will spark those memories and he breaks down.

“His therapist thought it would be a good idea if he came out here.”

Finally, Aspen tears her eyes away from where Theo holds my father tight, not allowing him to hit or pull away. Her hands reach out for me.

I blink at the gesture. “I thought you hated me.”

She rolls her eyes and grabs my hand. “Your bad attitude can’t drive me away.” Pulling me into her arms, she hugs me there on that hill while our parents cry. She stays strong, being the anchor and the lifeline I need by simply chanting softly, red rover, red rover, send Bennett right over.

It wasn’t until we were back in the car, Theo driving while my dad slept on my mother’s shoulder, did I use the marker we had used to play Tic Tac Toe. Grabbing Aspen’s arm, I bunch up her sleeve and write,We can be friends but with rules.

Her wide eyes sparked as she nodded in relief. We could do this. We could have our friendship back and with the right rules, I wouldn’t fall in love with her.

“Bennett.” Aspen shakes me awake.

“Yeah?” I wipe at my face, hoping I didn’t drool.

“I need to pee.”

I look at her confused. “Okay?”

She laughs, looking at my hand clenching her hip. “You’re holding me down.”

Right. Shit.

I smile and release her. “I’ll walk with you and make sure none of those water rats grab you.”

Swatting at my arm, she stands, holding her hand out. “Come on, smartass.”

I grab her hand and lead the way back through the woods and away from our brothers. “Why don’t you just pee in the water?”

“Ew, no. I swallow that water sometimes.”

Gross. “But how are you going to… you know?”

She laughs. “What? Wipe? Since I don’t have a handy dandy wiener to shake dry?”

I shouldn’t have brought it up.

She shoves me playfully when I just stare at her. “Don’t worry, I brought Fenn’s shirt.”

“Ah hell, Aspen.” I turn away and grimace.

---