Page 8 of Sanction

“I don’t want to be any trouble. I can find a place as soon as I get some money saved up.”

“Nonsense. We would love to have you.”

A smile spreads across my face and I twist in my seat to face Travis.

“She’s right. We would love to have you.”

His lip twitches in a smirk as he stares out the window. “Thank you.”

When we pull into the drive, I scramble out and yank on Travis’ hand. “Come on mom made my favorite chicken tonight!”

He chuckles and follows me as I lead him to the house. Maverick and dad sat at the kitchen table, and their heads whipped in our direction when we stumbled in. They both had questioning stares, but when mom entered dad’s face softened immediately.

“Travis will be staying with us for a little while,” my mom stated as she sat her purse on the counter.

She turned to Travis and smiled. “Our house is your house. Make yourself at home.”

Even at seven years old I knew our lives would never be the same.

Chapter 6

Daniella

Dani 12 years old

Travis 21 years old

I collapsed in my bed. I’m exhausted after working on my “how to project” for the fair. We had been at it for the last four hours. I wanted to put a choke hold on my brother. Travis wasn’t a big help either. They both kept trying to take over. I finally kicked out Maverick and Travis helped me finish up. To be honest I’m stoked. I broke down how to completely rebuild a motor for a 1984 Camaro. It’s awesome and I even have 3-d models.

The last five years have been a big shift for our family. We went from a family of four, to a family of five. Travis has lived with us since the night we found him walking alone. My parents took him in as their own and he even finished high school right behind my brother. I guess I now have two brothers. At least that’s what my mom says. She always refers to Travis as my brother now. Which is fine. I mean, it’s probably not normal to think your brother is hot, but whatever makes her happy.

We’ve become close over the years. It’s like he always belonged with us. He’s nicer to me than Maverick and he’s taught me a lot about cars. Which I love.

He and Maverick promised they would be at my presentation tomorrow. I'm pretty confident I got this in the bag. I know I’m not like all those rich kids I go to school with, but who gives a shit about how to apply a face mask. Rebuilding cars is actually useful and requires talent. I even got a blue jumpsuit with Knights Mechanics on the back. I'm ready.

There is a crowd forming and I’m up next. The winner not only gets a trophy and bragging rights, but three hundred dollars. I plan to use that money to buy my family Christmas presents this year. I raise up on my toes, trying to find my family in the crowd. I spotted my dad first. At six foot five he’s hard to miss. His tattoos and leather vest stand out in the crowd too. He smiled and waved a large palm above the crowd. My mom sat next to him, but I didn’t see Maverick or Travis yet. I’m sure they were just running a little behind.

Applause filled the room as the girl before me finished. Her project was moved off the stage and I was next. I knew the process inside and out, but I had a heap of nerves swarming in my belly as I began to set up. When I turned to face the crowd, my eyes scanned over to where my parents sat. Maverick gave me a fists pump and I almost laughed on stage. As quick as the laugh bubbled up, it got swallowed back down when I noticed the empty seat next to him. Travis. My stomach churned, but I had to start, so I put on a smile and like a true LeBlanc, I nailed it.

The audience clapped and cheered, but I wanted to cry. He didn’t show. He promised. I was happy my family came, but something about him breaking that promise hurt. It hurt bad. I joined my parents on the gymnasium floor as we waited for them to announce the winners. Mr. Paris got on the microphone and began his acknowledgments. This was it.

“Third runner up had an exceptional piece and showed great creativity. Congratulations to our third place winner. Daniella LeBlanc!”

Hands clapped and my parents hugged me before I took my place on stage and accepted my medal.

Third fucking place. I was disappointed. Especially since the second place and first place spot went to the mayor's daughter and the principal's son. I was upset and really just wanted to go home.

“I’m proud of you baby girl.” Dad tugged me under his arm as we walked out of the gym doors.

“Yeah, you kicked ass. You were number one in my book.” Maverick nudges me, trying to lift my spirits.

“Thanks,” I mutter.

We started along the sidewalk when I lifted my head to catch sight of Travis stepping up onto the curb.

“Please tell me it’s not over,” he says out of breath.

My heart is racing and I’m so mad I’m pretty sure steam is coming out of my ears. Because he’s not alone. Holding his hand is a blonde girl in a crop top and I want to wipe that phony smile right off of her face.

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