“You didn’t show up in biology class,” I say, before I lose my nerve. “And I haven’t talked to you in a while. Is everything okay?”
“Fine,” he mutters.
“You’ve missed many classes already.”
“I never enrolled in that class. Or any class.”
“You never…” My brain stalls. “Then why did you show up on the first day?”
“Because I hoped I could do this,” he snaps, and it’s my turn to flinch. “I’m not enrolled in college. Not anymore.”
“That’s a pity,” I whisper. My chest aches.
He gets up. “Look, I’ve got to go.”
“Yeah.” I nod, finally accepting what Audrey has been telling me all along. “Take care, Dylan.”
His eyes narrow. “What’s this about?”
“This is about me,” I say and unscrew the lid off my juice with shaky hands.
“What do you mean?” His face is pale, the silver ring in his lip glinting dully in the fluorescent lights of the cafeteria.
I force myself to look away. “I mean,” I say softly, “this is goodbye.”
Chapter Two
Dylan
“Miles did what?” I nestle the cell more securely between my shoulder and cheek as I zip up my jacket, then step off the bus on campus. “Again?”
“Yeah. He’s bruised and bloody.” My neighbor Charlie and his wife Kate sometimes look over my little brothers when I have to go to work or college, like now.
“Bloody?” I stop. Ice spreads through me. “Is he okay?”
“Yeah, he’s fine. A little shaken up. He won’t talk about what happened, of course.”
Of course. Another thought strikes me. “Why is he with you? I thought my dad was at home?”
“I don’t know, kid,” says Charlie. “Miles came here. I wasn’t gonna turn him away, was I? Especially with the bruises and all.”
“Right, right. Thanks, man. I appreciate it.” More than words can say. They’ve got two children of their own. Granted, they’re both adults now, my age, living on their own and working, but still… “Can you keep him until I get back? Won’t be for another couple of hours.”
“Sure thing. I’ll give him something to eat, don’t worry.”
Dammit. “Listen, Charlie, I’ll pay—”
“No, that’s fine. Go work, or study, or train, or whatever it is you gotta do, kid. I’ve got this.”
Relieved, I start walking again. I used to have a bike, but I had to sell it to pay some bills. The wind’s picking up, blowing strands of hair in my eyes. I need a haircut, I think randomly, and new shoes, and above all Miles needs a new jacket, and Teo…
“Teo,” I bark into the phone, as I realize something. “If dad isn’t home, who’s looking after Teo?”
“I don’t know.” Charlie’s voice lowers. “Wait, you mean Teo’s home? I thought he was still at school.”
“He’s sick.” Again. I try to breathe through the worry. It’s not working. “Fuck. I’m on my way. Please, Charlie, can you—?”
“I’ll check on him.”
“Right. Thanks, man.”
Meanwhile, I call home. Nobody answers. Dammit.
Fuck the meeting. No time for that crap. I turn around and jog back to the bus stop. As I wait impatiently for the next bus to arrive, I call Coach West, who wanted to talk to me. He doesn’t pick up immediately, and I don’t know if I should just disconnect and not give a damn, when he answers.
“Jimmy West speaking.”
“Coach, it’s me. Dylan. Dylan Hayes.”
“Dylan. I’ve been expecting you. Are you here?”
“No, I…” The bus is approaching, and I move toward it. “Something came up. I can’t make it today.”
“Can’t make it? Dylan, this is important.” He sounds exasperated. “I hope you realize that if we don’t do something right now, any chance at finding another sports scholarship or any other funding is over. This is about your future. Don’t you care?”
A knot forms in my throat. “I do, and I really appreciate your interest in me, Coach.” I climb into the bus and flash my card to the driver, then wander to the back, searching for a free seat. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, Dylan. Do something about it.”
I slide into a seat, right next to a girl typing furiously on her touchscreen cell. “I will. Can I come by tomorrow?”
There’s a pause. I close my eyes and hold my breath. He’s given up on me, as I knew he would, eventually.