head out to Seattle. My brother is getting married.”
“That’s a happy occasion, no?” Confusion fills his eyes.
“I don’t know for how long. It seems I’m heading to a wedding and a funeral. His girl’s mom is dying from cancer.”
Nate jerks as if I’ve punched him in the chest. He swallows hard and nods a few times. His eyes grow distant for a moment.
“Go handle your business. Your brother will need you.”
Roni
To say I’m annoyed is an understatement. I’ve been waiting for John to show up all day. I’ve thought of him as many things, but never a coward.
If last night wasn’t something he wanted, fine, but for him to avoid me after is pure bullshit. I guess I can’t trust him. I feel stupid for thinking that I could.
“Hey, Roni.”
I stop jumping rope to turn and find Torque’s wide eyes on me. His cheeks are flaming red. I smirk and laugh to myself. He’s a teenager. It’s not the first time I’ve caught him staring.
“What’s up?” I say, choosing not to embarrass him any further.
“You weren’t in the cafeteria. I came to check on you.”
I shrug. “Not hungry.”
“Is it because he’s gone?” he says in a whisper.
“Who’s gone?”
“That guy. John.”
“Gone?”
“Yeah, I saw him heading out during my groups’ morning run. He had his bags when he got into the car. He looked like he was in a hurry,” he says.
Anger rushes through me. It’s as if my head is going to explode. He couldn’t be man enough to say goodbye.
“Whatever,” I mutter.
“Do you think he’ll be back soon? I thought you could trust him. Maybe he can help us?”
“I don’t know if he’s coming back. I’m sorry, kid.” Feeling completely disappointed in myself, I shut down.
I drop the rope I’d been jumping with and kick it aside. Torque calls after me, but I hold my hand up to warn him off. I need some time to myself to think.
Heading straight for my room, I mumble to myself. Natasha needs me and I’ve been thinking only of myself. Starting tomorrow, Torque and I will use what he showed me last night to figure things out on our own.
“Roni,” my name is barked from behind.
I spin to find the one they call Thomas. From the whispers I’ve overheard, he’s related to Nate. Some say his dad. I can totally see that. They may be worlds apart in complexions, but they have the same face.
I fold my arms over my chest as he closes the distance between us. He’s a tall man. I have to crane my neck back as he gains on me. That seems to happen a lot around here.
“I have a letter for you. Sorry I’m just getting around to finding you. My son asked me to hand it off before he had to head out this morning,” he says, holding out the letter.
“Your son?” Hope blooms maybe they were wrong, and this guy is John’s dad.
“Nate. Rita and Nate are my two,” he says with a smile.
“Oh, okay,” I reply in disappointment, reaching for the letter.
“Let me know if you need anything. I’ll be here for this week’s shift. My door is always open.”
“Thanks,” I murmur and turn to head toward my room.
Nate is probably fed up with me and now that John is gone, he’s going to put my ass out. I have the money. I can use it to get out of here and start over.
First, I’ll need to get away from here and get a place. Then, I’ll work on how to make my own money. Torque will need to go to school. I’ll have to figure out how to make that happen. I’m not leaving him behind.
Closing the bedroom door behind me, I go to sit on the floor on the side of my bed. I’m still sweaty from my workout. I don’t want to sit on the bed before I shower, but I want to know what this letter says.
Roni,
I’m sorry I had to rush off without a word. My brother needs me in Seattle. I’ve placed my number at the bottom of this letter and a new phone will be delivered to you in a day or two. Behave. You can trust them.
John
I grind my teeth. He could have told me in person if he had time to write this stupid letter. I know it’s total bullshit.
I swipe at the tear that falls. So much for my friend. I get up and head into the shower to wash this day away so I