Even though I was one of the last to leave, I was the first to arrive at the house. I grabbed my bag and unlocked the door. The house was quiet. I had just finished taking off my shoes when someone knocked. I opened the door to find Miles standing there, his fingers tapping on his book bag strap.

“Come on in.” I opened the door and let Miles close it behind him. He stepped just past the door his eyes running all over the great room. I went to the kitchen and pulled out a water bottle. “Want some water?”

“Yes, please,” he answered as he headed over to the dining table I pulled out several cold bottles and brought them over to the table.

Miles finally looked at me. “About what I said in Chemistry, I wasn’t trying to say you weren’t smart,” he said, his cheeks and ears turning pink. “Things don’t always come out right when I talk to girls. Or people in general.” His fingers started tapping against his leg. “Ethan and Isaac say that I have terminal foot in mouth disease.”

I smiled; I couldn’t help it, he was so sweet, trying to apologize and say the right thing.

“Don’t worry about it, Miles, I figured you didn’t mean it that way.” I kept my voice light since he seemed so nervous.

His shoulders seemed to relax a little as he grinned.

“Is that why you haven’t really been talking to me?” I asked him.

“Well, I don’t usually talk a lot, but I also didn’t want to insult you again.” He admitted.

I didn’t like that he censored himself around me. I don’t mind the occasional rude comment, as long as it wasn’t on purpose.

“How about you talk like you usually do, and if you do say something rude, I’ll tell you,” I offered. Miles smiled at me.

“I’d appreciate it.” The loud roar of an engine started out in the street. “And there’s Zeke.” The roaring got louder; I’d take his word for it.

“Can you let the others in? I’m going to pop upstairs real quick.”

“Sure.”

I picked up my shoes on my way up the stairs. I was in my bedroom when the loud engine sound shut off. I peeked out my blinds just in time to see Zeke climbing off a motorcycle. I wondered what kind it was. I undid my belt and dropped that onto my desk. I also put my boots away and pulled my hair off my neck into a messy bun high on the back of my head. I heard the door open and close downstairs a couple times.

As I was pulling my cell phone out of my jacket, it vibrated. I checked my messages.

Isaac: Bringing food, what do you want on your sandwich?

I smiled to myself as I texted back what I liked. I got a winking smiley face back. I tucked my cell phone into my bra and headed downstairs.

Zeke and Asher were looking out the French glass doors toward the lake. Miles was already at the table pulling out books. I was walking across the room with my book bag when Zeke turned around spotting me.

“I think I know whose house we’re hanging at this summer,” Zeke announced walking back to the table.

“Miles' house does have a pool,” Asher reminded him as he kept looking outside.

“Yeah, but that’s a lake back there. It’s better than a pool.” Zeke argued his point as he sat down and began pulling books out.

“We have to get her uncle to trust us first.” Miles pointed out as he opened his Trig textbook.

“We will.” Asher sounded confident as he came toward the table. “We’re likable.”

I smiled to myself. They were definitely that.

“Ethan and Isaac stopped to pick up food, so we should probably start without them,” I told them, starting to pull out my own books.

“Good, I’m starving,” Asher said, rubbing his belly.

“Next time just say so, we have food here,” I said as I got up and went into the kitchen.

I opened the pantry and pulled out a couple bags of chips and a box of crackers. I put those on the table; the boys snatched them up like they were priceless.

“Thank you,” they all managed to say before stuffing their mouths. I raised both eyebrows at them.

“Guys eat a lot,” Asher explained before eating another chip.

“We require a lot of fuel,” Zeke added after he swallowed his food. Miles opened up the crackers and ate like he was starving.

“How much do you guys eat?” I asked, sitting down next to Miles with my leg tucked under me.

“Varies, but generally 3 meals a day and constant snacking all the time,” Zeke answered between bites. Asher nodded with his mouth full. Even Miles confirmed with a nod, his mouth also full.

“Damn,” I said, “so if I go for a chip, I might lose a finger?”

The guys paused.

“We share; you just have to speak up fast before the food is gone,” Asher explained.

Everyone offered their bags of chips or crackers. I smiled and shook my head.

“Just wondering if I had to watch my fingers.”

There was a knock on the door. I hurried over to answer it. Ethan and Isaac's arms were full of plastic grocery bags.

“Scoot Beautiful, these are heavy,” Ethan grunted. I moved out of the way to hold the door open. Isaac came in behind his brother, his arms just as full with groceries plus their book bags.

“I thought you guys were bringing food?” Asher called over. Isaac snorted.

“This is food dumb ass.” The boys dropped the bags onto the table. Everyone opened the bags; deli sandwiches were pulled out and passed around.

Miles kept looking, even after he got his sandwich.

“Did Alexis get one?” he asked, standing up and looking through another bag.

“No, I didn’t get the girl anything.” Isaac's sarcasm was so thick you could practically taste it. He opened the bag still in his hand and pulled out a sandwich. His voice was back to normal when he spoke to me. “I got you your turkey on sourdough with veggies, Red.”

“Thank you.”

“Happy to.”

Isaac and Ethan proceeded to dump the rest of the bags onto the table. There were candy bars, chips, and several sodas. I sat back down next to Miles and looked over the pile.

“Okay, if I ate like this all the time I’d be a blimp,” I announced in awe.

Zeke’s eyes ran over me quickly.

“You’re tiny. We’re not.” He stated matter-of-factly before opening his Trig book.

“Mm. Before I forget, everyone owes me ten bucks each.” Ethan announced to the room as he sat in the chair to my right. Everyone pulled out their wallets. I was pulling cash out of my wallet when Ethan added. “Except Beautiful, it’s her first day with us.” No one argued as they tossed their money down onto the pile. Ethan was picking it up when I noticed someone had thrown a twenty in. I smirked but kept my mouth shut.

Everyone ate while we worked through our homework. I ate half my sandwich and wrapped it up for later. I had just finished reading my World Civ chapter when I noticed Zeke rubbing his eyes with one hand. He kept blinking hard as if trying to stay awake.

“Zeke? You want some coffee?” I asked, breaking the silence in the room. Zeke’s eyes met mine, the corner of his lip twitching.

“What he needs is a nap.” Miles looked up, pushing his glasses back up his nose. “You’ve been working late every night the past week.”

Zeke ran his fingers through his hair as he answered. “The garage has been slammed lately, but we’re finally caught up. I have the next couple days off.” He turned back to me. “I would love any kind of coffee you have.” I was about to get up when Ethan put his hand on my shoulder stopping me.

“Man, go take a nap on the couch, I don’t think I’d even trust you driving right now.” Ethan’s voice was worried.

Zeke refused. As he was defending himself, Miles looked over at Zeke’s homework. His hand darted out, snagging Zeke’s notebook.

“Zeke, you multiplied four by two and came up with nine,” Miles told him plainly, looking at him over his glasses. “There’s no point in doing homework if your brain is too tired to think.”

Zeke glared at him halfheartedly, and then he gave a big sigh. He looked over at me.

“Care if I crash on the couch?” he asked, resigned.

“Go for it.”

He nodded his thanks and got to his feet. He was passing the table when Miles picked up his homework list.

“I’ll do the rest of your homework,” Miles told him as if this happened all the time.

“Don’t do Physics, you suck at Physics,” Zeke called from the living room before he dropped onto the couch.

I leaned over to Miles.

“Do you really suck at Physics?” I whispered. Miles shook his head.

“Not really, I just do it to mess with him,” he said.

I snickered quietly as I turned back to my books and pulled out my Algebra. I was just starting the first problem when a soft snore came from the living room. I couldn’t stop the smile that spread across my lips; it was kind of cute. Poor Zeke must really be exhausted. I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind as I focused on my homework.

At some point, everyone had put their phones on the table. The boys kept getting texts, which they ignored, but Ethan’s kept vibrating. After what had to be the 20th time in five minutes, the guys all groaned and glared at him.

“For the love of God, man. Make them stop,” Asher pleaded, his face in his hands. Ethan just grinned and picked up the cell phone.

“Them?” I asked. Asher nodded.

“Girls. I honestly think Ethan’s cell phone number is on the wall in the girl’s bathroom,” Isaac chimed in. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the image he had created. Ethan waved his hand dismissively.

“You’re just jealous I’m the better-looking twin,” Ethan said.

All the guys groaned.

“Shut the damn thing off before I do it for you,” Asher threatened across the table. Ethan gave a suffering sigh and then turned off his phone. We got back to work.

An hour and a half later, I closed my chemistry book and rubbed my temples.

“You okay, Ally girl?” Asher asked, looking up from his own book.

I smiled at the nickname. “Brain full,” I said in my most suffering voice.

He smiled and closed his book, too.

“Yeah, I’m done for the day, too.” Asher looked down the table. Everyone else started closing books.

“What about Zeke’s homework?” I asked Miles.

“I have it done, except for Physics.” Miles adjusted his glasses as he looked at the group. “Who’s waking Zeke up?” Everyone immediately pointed at me.

Surprised, I stammered. “W-What? Why me?”

“We have a theory that if you, a girl, wake him up, he might not wake up swinging punches,” Miles explained, putting his books away. The others nodded in agreement. Apparently, they wanted to experiment with Zeke.

“Just touch his shoulder and back away fast,” Isaac advised, stretching his arms above his head. I got to my feet and pointed at them.

“Fine, but if he hits me, I’m coming after all of you,” I warned before walking across the great room.

Zeke seemed dead to the world. His large frame took up the entire couch. One muscled arm was over his eyes blocking out the light. I debated the best way to wake him up. I decided to try saying his name first.

“Zeke,” I called in a soft voice. Nothing, he didn’t even budge. “Zeke,” I called louder in a singsong voice.

He mumbled something in his sleep and shifted onto his side, facing the back of the couch. I took a second to look at him. He was the most relaxed I’d seen him. He didn’t look so big and intimidating right now. I debated my next move. Isaac said touch his shoulder and back away. I looked behind me to find the guys standing a couple feet from me. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Screw this. I really didn’t want to get hit.

I quickly put my hand on his shoulder and hip, then gave Zeke a hard shove. He rolled off the couch and landed on the floor with a big thud. The guys burst out laughing behind me. Zeke sat up half way, holding himself up on one arm. His blue eyes were wild as he looked around. When he saw me, he figured it out.

“Why the hell did you do that?” he shouted, getting to his feet.

I pointed behind me to the other guys who were laughing hysterically.

“They were making me wake you up,” I explained with a shit-eating grin on my face. “They also said you usually woke up swinging.”

Zeke’s gaze went to the guys; Ethan was doubled over holding his stomach.

“I didn’t want to take the chance of getting hit,” I said.

Zeke’s gaze came back to me; he rubbed a hand along his jaw.

“Good call.” He agreed. Then he turned to the others. “You chicken shits! Next time, one of you have the balls to wake me up.” That sent the guys into another round of laughter.

I rolled my eyes as Zeke walked around the couch.

“Miles finished your homework.” I began, not bothering to wait till the guys calmed down. “All that’s left is Physics.”

Zeke nodded as he stretched his arms over his head. His shirt rode up, showing off a bit of his skin. I turned away and headed for the kitchen phone, trying hard not to think about that glimpse of hard abs.

“I’m ordering dinner. Does anyone want to stay?”

“Yes,” they all said at once. I had to bite back a smile. I found the menu for the pizza place.

“What kind do you guys want?” I asked, bringing the cordless phone to the dining room where they were all sitting while Zeke did his homework.

Everyone shot off something different; I had to slow them down. Nevertheless, the order turned out to be four pizzas, all with different toppings.

After I ordered, I went into Rory’s bedroom and found the jar. I took the amount I needed, stuffed it into my pocket then came back out. I sat down next to Asher, putting my feet on the chair and wrapping my arms around my knees as everyone started talking about the coming football game and how close homecoming was. Ethan and Isaac talked about dates for the dance. While Zeke asked why they even wanted to go. I joined in the conversation whenever I felt like it.

It was easy hanging out with the guys. They were fun and nice. I don’t know how else to describe it; we all seemed to fit like puzzle pieces. At least I hoped I fit.

Before I could start worrying about it, the front door opened. I looked over my shoulder, fearing Tara had come home. Instead, Rory stepped through the door in his street clothes, carrying several plastic bags. His eyes swept over the group then rested on me. I smiled at him, letting him know I was fine.

“Hey, Rory, I already ordered pizza.” The guys stopped talking; it was suddenly awkward.

“Tara’s eating over at her Mom’s tonight,” Rory announced as he walked to the kitchen and put his bags down on the counter before coming over to the table.

“Hello, boys,” he greeted, not exactly cheerful. There was a round of hellos. He looked me dead in the eye. “Anyone go upstairs?”

“Nope,” I answered. “We’ve been doing homework. Zeke’s just finishing Physics.” Rory’s eyes went to Zeke since he was the only one with books still out. He nodded again. He took a deep breath.

“I remember Physics, it was a bitch.” Everyone chuckled. “So, who’s who here?” Rory smiled. It felt like the room exhaled as everyone introduced themselves to Rory. He sat down and started talking to the guys. No interrogating. Just talking, learning about them and their hobbies. Asher played sports, Ethan was in a rock band, Isaac liked skateboarding and MMA fighting, Miles liked to mess with computers, and Zeke worked at a mechanic’s garage.

By the time the pizza got there, everyone was laughing at a story Isaac was telling. Asher went with me to the door and helped carry the pizzas. Ethan ran into the kitchen and brought out plates. I brought out drinks and napkins. Everyone ate and talked. It felt good. All of it felt natural like we’d been doing it for years.

When dinner was over, the boys cleaned up while Rory pulled me aside.

“Nosebleed, fill me in.” It was clear he wasn’t kidding. We were in the corner of the dining room, and the guys were cleaning up in the kitchen.

“It was on my way to Art class,” I began, whispering, crossing my arms over my chest. “There’s a really pissed off girl along that path. From the looks of it, she’s from the 60s. She was probably stabbed in the chest, maybe the lung.” I kept it short and to the point. I didn’t want the guys to overhear us. Speaking of the guys, I looked over Rory’s shoulder to see them all cleaning up. However, Miles kept sneaking glances our way.

“Do you need to go back tonight and deal with her?”

I looked back to Rory. I shook my head immediately. “Some ghosts want help, others want to cause as much suffering as they can. She’s the latter.”

Rory sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

“I’ll try to find another way to that class tomorrow,” I said. “I’ll avoid her, it should be fine.”

“If you say so,” he agreed. “But if it gets worse let me know.”

I nodded. A quick check-in was all Rory wanted. That I could handle.

Rory turned and walked to the kitchen.

“Anyone see the football game yesterday?” he asked. Everyone shook their heads except Asher. “Come on, I’ve got it recorded.”

I smiled to myself as we all moved to the living room. Rory took the armchair near the door; Asher sat in the one to the left of the couch. Ethan and Miles sat on the floor. Zeke sat at the corner of the couch while I sat on the other side. Isaac nudged my shoulder.

“Scoot over, Red, you’re the only one safe from him right now,” Isaac stage whispered.

“Damn right she is,” Zeke mumbled.

I scooted over and sat in the middle. Isaac wasn’t as big as Asher or Zeke, but he took enough space that my shoulder was pressing against Zeke’s arm.

Everyone was debating about what football player was better when Zeke lifted his arm and rested along the back of the couch. I went still then I peeked at him out of the corner of my eye. He was leaning his head on his fist, his elbow on the arm of the couch, his eyes on the screen. It didn’t seem like he was hitting on me; just getting comfortable.

I looked up and realized the motion had caught Rory’s eye too. He looked at Zeke’s arm a long time, then he went back to watching the game, probably coming to the same conclusion I did. Ethan turned around to look at me, then scooted back and leaned against my legs, his hair covering my knees.

As we watched the game, I realized I was running my fingers through Ethan’s soft, thick hair. He didn’t seem to mind, so I kept doing it. Then the twisted side of me wondered what he would look like with braids. I smiled to myself as I slowly put braids in his hair. It was thick enough that when I started at the top, he didn’t even notice it. Soon I had the top of his head covered in braids. Then I sat back and looked around for something else to do.

I was looking at the boys on the floor, wondering how much it would cost to buy some bean bags when Rory seemed to read my mind.

“If this becomes a regular thing, we’re going to have to get another couch,” Rory announced. The guys chuckled.

“We usually end up changing houses every day,” Asher offered, then tilted his head. “But this summer you might be stuck with us.” Rory chuckled.

It was around 7:30 when he paused the game. He turned to everyone, looking serious.

“Look boys, I know I probably seem a bit overprotective of Lexie,” he began, the tension seeming to run out of his shoulders. “But she’s my only niece. And I’ll be damned if I’ll allow anything else to happen to her.”

I felt eyes on me, thanks, Rory. That’s not going to cause any questions. No, not a one.

Rory continued. “You're good kids. So, you boys are welcome here anytime. And I’ll rest easier if you guys keep an eye on her at school.” Almost all the guys nodded. Ethan and Isaac exchanged smirks.

“I can take care of myself, Rory.” I managed to say through clenched teeth.

“I know that, but having some backup never hurts,” he told me before speaking to the group again. “Alright boys, it’s getting late, and Lexie still has some physical therapy to do,” Rory announced.

I groaned, closing my eyes. Physical therapy, my ass. I had to lay down with ice on my back.

No one else grumbled as they all started getting to their feet. Ethan reached up to run his hand through his hair, his fingers caught.

“What the...” I couldn’t hold it. I burst out laughing. So did Zeke and Isaac who had watched me the whole time. Asher turned, a big smile making its way across his face.

“Aw. You look so adorable, Ethania,” Asher taunted. Ethan was grumbling as he began pulling out the braids. The other guys chimed in with their taunts as Ethan tried to find the rest of the braids. Giving up, he got to his feet as the boys kept taunting him. He turned and glared at me with his dark eyes. I just kept giggling.

“Oh, Beautiful, this means war.” He pointed at me, his face pink.

“Bring it,” I challenged.

His eyes narrowed his broad lips half grinned at me. “Oh, I will.”

Everyone said goodnight and thanked Rory for dinner. When they were gone, the house suddenly seemed quieter. Rory turned to me.

“That’s a good bunch of boys.”

“I like ‘em." I shrugged, looking back to the TV. Reality set back in. “It’d be nice if they stick around.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, his head resting on his hand, his elbow on the arm of the chair.

“You know what’s going to happen,” I told him my voice resigned. “They’ll be my friends until I can’t hide the Sight anymore. Then poof, they’ll be gone.” It had happened time and time again. At every school I’d ever gone to. I would make friends, and it’d be great. Until they caught me talking to a ghost they couldn’t see, or my nose bleeds one time too many. If they find out, they leave. Some believed me, some thought I was lying, other people thought I was crazy. The rest thought I was a freak. It always happened. It was only a matter of time.

“You just met those boys today, and you’re already thinking of them not being your friends anymore?” Rory pointed out frowning at me. “You can’t go through life thinking everyone is going to leave you, Lexie.”

I shrugged at him.

“Haven’t been wrong yet,” I pointed out.

Rory sighed deeply.

“Those boys might surprise you,” He said.

I gave him a small smile. I hope they did. I pushed it to the back of my mind, not wanting to deal with it right now.

“Can I take a shower before we do the ice? I want to avoid Tara in the morning.”

“Yeah, hurry up, though.”

I got to my feet and hustled up the stairs. I grabbed my jammies and went into the bathroom. Before stepping into the tub, I turned in front of the mirror and looked at my back. Long strips of blood blisters covered my back with black and deep purple mixing along the strips of red and in other places. I sighed; with my pale skin, when I bruised, I bruised badly. The image of my Mom's face as she came at me flashed through my mind. I pushed it away quickly, not wanting to remember.

I took a long hot shower and got into my Star Wars jammy bottoms and a black cami. Then I trudged downstairs. I laid down on the couch with my cell phone in my hand. Rory put a towel on my back then the ice. At first, I hissed at the weight, but when the cold finally seeped through, it felt great. I had my head turned toward the TV with the game playing.

“How long?” I asked, already hating this position.

“20 minutes,” Rory answered, putting a timer in front of me.

“No, how many more days do I have to do this for?”

Rory sighed. “A couple more weeks, then we’ll mix in heat if the bruising isn’t healing.”

I groaned miserably.

Memories of my mother coming at me flashed through my mind, the feel of the belt hitting me. I pushed the memories away, focusing on the TV. It was constant--memories coming to the surface from that night, me pushing it away again. I really hated this.

I was vaguely aware when Tara came home. That is until she started demanding answers from me.

“What were you doing, talking to Asher Westfell?” Tara snapped above me. All I could see of her was her black leggings.

“I was making friends,” I pointed out like it was obvious. “And you know, walking to class.”

“You embarrassed me in front of him!” she accused me.

The timer went off. I sat up and picked up the ice packs.

“I’m confused, Tara.” I looked up at her my brow drawn in mock confusion. “Didn’t you tell me an hour before that you didn’t want anyone to know we’re related?” Rory’s head turned as he frowned at Tara. “Then you see me walking to class with Asher, and all of a sudden I’m cousin Lexie?”

“Tara is that true? Did you say that to her?” Rory asked his voice hard.

Tara turned and whined at Rory. “She’s not going to be popular, Dad. She’s already got the most popular girl in school gunning for her.” Tara turned back to me and narrowed her eyes. “She twisted Jason Miller’s arm behind his back, then shoved him in front of everyone.” Tara tattled.

Fair enough, I tattled on her first. Rory turned his frown onto me.

“Explain.” He demanded.

I sighed.

“This guy, Jason, wrapped his arm around me, I told him to let go,” I explained, keeping it simple. “Instead, he wrapped his arm around my waist and asked me if the carpet matched the drapes.”

Rory’s face became hard.

I continued. “So, I broke his hold and did an arm-lock on the guy. I told him he was being an ass and pushed him into his friends.” Rory’s frown had disappeared as I spoke. Now he was smiling.

“Good girl,” he told me.

I winked at him. He went back to watching football.

“Dad!” Tara scoffed.

Rory looked up at her blankly. “I’m not going to punish her for defending herself,” he told her plainly. “She told him to let go, he didn’t. So, she made him. Perfectly justified.”

Tara’s mouth dropped, then she turned back to me her eyes calculating.

“Dad, she tried to stop me from talking to Asher today,” Tara complained, all but stomping her foot in her tantrum. “We were standing there talking, and she tugged him to start walking. I had to tug him to stop. Then she gave herself a bloody nose to get me away from him.”

I looked over at Rory and met his gaze. He inclined his head towards me; he understood what happened.

“The nosebleed wasn’t about you, Tara,” he told her, turning back to the football game. “Lexie has always gotten a lot of nosebleeds.”

Tara looked at him like he was insane. Then she crossed her arms and glared at me. She seemed determined to get me in trouble for something. “She’s hanging out with a bunch of boys. One of them is Zeke Blackthorn. That really scary guy, he’s a total bully.”

Rory shrugged. “He didn’t seem so bad,” Rory said absently.

I winced. Tara’s eyes went wide.

“You met him?” she asked, stunned.

Rory didn’t notice the can of worms he had opened.

“Yeah, I met all of them. They were nice kids,” he said dismissively, still watching the game.

Tara looked at me, her eyes wide.

“Asher Westfell was here?”

“Yeah, we all had dinner.” I got up and took the ice packs to the freezer to put them away for tomorrow. I turned and found Tara blocking my way out of the kitchen.

“You have to tell me when Asher is here.” She actually ordered me.

I scoffed at her. “I’m not going to help set you up with my friend.”

Her mouth pinched, and her eyes narrowed.

“Your friend?” She huffed. “You’re just the new girl, Alexis. Soon enough they won’t even be talking to you.”

That hurt, I admit it, it really hurt. Because she was probably right. Even if they did want to be my friends, when they found out about the Sight, they’d be gone anyway.

“Night, Tara.” I walked around her and went upstairs. I turned off my light then climbed into bed, miserable.

Tara’s comment shook me. I was just wondering if they’d even talk to me tomorrow when my phone vibrated on the desk. I reached over and picked it up.

Zeke: Why do you have physical therapy?

That was it; no hi or how are you. Straight to the point Zeke. I didn’t want to tell him. Especially after Tara had rattled me. So, I asked him something I doubt he’d answer.

Alexis: Why do you wake up swinging?

He was silent so long that I thought he’d never answer. Then my phone vibrated again.

Zeke: Not every family is a good family.

My heart sank. I knew exactly what he was saying. Just because someone is your parent doesn’t mean they give a damn. Hell, my own mother couldn’t care less about me. I was invisible as long as I was able to keep food on the table. And when I couldn’t... I pushed those memories away as another text message came in.

Zeke: Why do you have physical therapy?

I bit my lip trying to decide how to answer. I wasn’t going to lie; he’d been honest with me.

Alexis: Not every family is a good family.

I thought that would be the end of it, but my phone vibrated again.

Zeke: That’s why you moved into your uncle’s.

It wasn’t a question, not really. So, I didn’t answer. He sent another text.

Zeke: Are you okay?

I bit my lip; his simple question shook my control. I took a deep breath to stop the tears from falling. I didn’t want to deal with it, not yet. So again, I was honest but vague.

Alexis: I’m alive.

Zeke: Some days alive is the best you get. But there’s always tomorrow.

I smiled at that. Underneath the rough and scary, Zeke had a soft spot somewhere.

Zeke: Night.

Alexis: Night.