Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 87152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“People can be weird about stuff like that.” Preston runs a hand over the back of his neck and grimaces. “When they don’t know what else to say, you know? It gets awkward.”
“I just don’t want anybody to treat me differently. I want to be like a normal person. And I can’t believe I’m admitting all of this to you,” I add with a laugh at myself.
Preston’s not laughing. “Yeah, but it’s too late for that.” It’s kind of surprising how seriously they’re both taking this. No joking now. “You were seriously so worried about us finding out? Did you think we would make a joke out of it and tell everybody in school?”
Is he serious? “Yes, actually. That’s exactly what I was afraid would happen. And it’s not like you guys have done much of anything to make me think otherwise.” I can’t help but stare them down, almost daring them without words to tell me I’m wrong or I’m being unfair. I have got more than enough ammo to fire back at them. Plenty of examples of how cruel and thoughtless they’ve been.
Easton surprises me by not insulting my intelligence. “Yeah, we’ve done some things, but—”
“You had your reasons?” I ask, scoffing. “Right. I’ve heard that before. That is exactly why I didn’t want to tell you, because you always have your reasons. But you don’t think about what it does to other people.” Just saying the words makes me shake with anger and the feeling that I have been misunderstood for so long. “And I really, really need you guys to hear me and understand why it is so important to keep this quiet.”
It’s Easton who gets that look in his eye first, and a sick feeling takes root in my stomach. I should’ve known better. “It’s worth that much?”
“No, I’m lying. Yes, of course it’s worth that much. Is everything a joke with you two? Do you know how much it took for me to admit all of this?”
“Okay, listen.” I wouldn’t expect Preston to be the voice of reason who diffuses the situation, but it seems like this is a night for surprises. “Do you want us to treat you like you’re some fragile thing? Or do you want us to keep treating you the way we have been, like you’re a normal person? That’s the real question,” he adds. “Not a threat or anything. Because we can be gentle and, like, put on kid gloves or whatever they call it. If that’s what you want.”
The idea makes my stomach hurt. “That’s exactly what I don’t want, but it doesn’t mean I’m fine with you guys acting like I’m a joke. Or like you can treat me like I’m a toy to play with. This might be a joke for you, but it isn’t from where I’m sitting.”
“That’s fair. We can be nice,” Preston assures me.
“But?” I ask. “What’s the catch?”
“Why does there have to be a catch?”
Right. Because I was born yesterday. “There’s always a catch with you two. When the doctor pulled you out of your mom, you probably asked what was in it for you when they wanted you to cry.”
Easton snorts first, followed by Preston. “You’re probably right,” Easton admits, chuckling. “But life is a transaction. Don’t you know that? Quid pro quo.”
“Believe me. I already know.” And somehow, I always end up losing out in the end. Losing my parents, my grandpa, my health.
“And if we were super nice to you, wouldn’t it seem like we were treating you differently because you’re sick?” Easton shrugs. “When I think about it that way, you should be thanking us. We’re treating you like we always did. You’re welcome.”
I shouldn’t laugh. I really shouldn’t. It will only encourage them to be idiots. But I can’t help it—deep inside, it feels good to have the truth out there. They didn’t run away, they’re not looking at me funny. Like I’m contagious or like they’re afraid I’m going to drop dead. I might even be slightly grateful to them for taking the news so well.
“We’ll figure out a way for you to repay us,” Preston tells me with a grin. I have no doubt.
But I won’t even care as long as they keep their word. “You have to promise. Both of you. On your sister’s life, even. It’s that important. I don’t want anybody’s pity. I don’t want to be different.”
Silence stretches out for what feels like forever, until my skin starts to crawl, and I wonder if I made the biggest mistake of my life. What was I thinking, opening up to them? Then again, what choice did I have?
An entire conversation takes place between them before either says a word. It’s Easton who breaks the silence. “Fine. You have our word.”
“Your secret’s safe,” Preston agrees. “And, uh, we’ll drive you home after this.”