Page 12 of The Little Liar
Nico looked up.
“Hey, there’s Fannie!”
Sebastian glanced across the street to see Fannie and her father, also on their way to synagogue. When Fannie waved to them, Nico waved back, but Sebastian looked down.
“You want to kiss her,” Nico whispered.
“I do not.”
“Yes, you do.”
“I do NOT!”
“Who’s kissing who?” Lazarre said.
“Nico’s lying,” Sebastian said.
“He doesn’t lie,” Lazarre said.
“I’m not lying. You want to kiss her. You told me.”
“You’re not supposed to say anything!” Sebastian said. His face was red. Nico looked at Lazarre, who wagged a finger.
“If he told you a secret, you should keep it.”
“I’m sorry, Nano.”
“Say sorry to your brother.”
“Sorry, Sebastian.”
Sebastian pressed his lips together.
“Race you?” Nico said.
A smile crept across Sebastian’s face. He knew he was faster than his baby brother. He knew Fannie would see them run.
“Go!” he yelled, breaking into a sprint.
Nico chased, yelling “Hey!” but Sebastian was far ahead and laughing and Nico started laughing, too. Sebastian reached the corner, hoping Fannie’s admiring eyes were on him. He heard Nico’s footsteps as he made the turn.
Suddenly, Sebastian pulled to a stop, and Nico ran into him from behind, almost knocking him over. There, standing in the synagogue doorway, were three Nazi soldiers, rifles on their shoulders. They were smoking cigarettes. One of them noticed Sebastian’s tallit.
“No church today, Jew,” he said.
Sebastian swallowed. He stepped backward. He saw other Germans exiting the synagogue carrying boxes.
Nico edged forward. “But we always go on Saturday.”
The soldier eyed the blond-haired boy.
“Why wouldyougo here, boy? You’re not a Jew pig like him, are you?”
Nico glanced at Sebastian, who shook his head, wanting Nico to say no.
“I’m a Greek and a Jew,” Nico said. “But not a pig.”
“Where did you get that blond hair?” The soldier grinned. “Maybe your mama liked Germans?”
