Jaxon always argued that the Sandersons were like his second family, so what we saw between him and Brinley was nothing more than that.
I think we all used to buy it. Until Fletcher said the same thing about Tate and him. That they were like family.
I stare at Tate and Fletcher, who are silently laughing to themselves. They’re practically sitting on each other even though half the beanbag is unoccupied.
My eyes then meet Brinley and Jaxon, who have gotten closer on the couch, if that’s even possible. Declan’s too focused on the movie to notice.
She holds out her pizza, and he takes a large bite from the bottom. Even though he’s holding two slices of his own.
Jaxon holds back a laugh as he chews, and then he notices me watching them. I lift an eyebrow, and he rolls his eyes. It's like what I just sawmeans nothing.
As he leans forward to grab his drink, he flips up his middle finger for only me to see, and I stifle my laughter.
But when he leans back, the distance that’s been created between him and Brinley is obvious.
So much for nothing.
four
Avalon
Ithink about him a lot.
I wonder what he’s up to… if he ever thinks about me. If he ever thought about taking me with him or fighting for me. Or if all he cared about was getting out. Out of this house. Out of his marriage. Out of all of his commitments… including me.
I wonder if I’d even know him if I saw him on the street or if it’s been too long. I wonder if he’d recognize me. Would he stop and say something?
Or just pretend I don’t exist.
Sometimes, I wonder if he actually ran out on us or if that’s another thing she lied to me about.
“Hi, I’m Maia, I’m gonna be your server. Can I get you something to drink?” I look up to see my waitress smiling down at me. She can’t be much older than I am; I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s a student at Rockford; it’s the ideal place to work since it’s right off campus.
“Oh, um, a chocolate shake.” I smile back. To be honest, I haven’t even looked at the menu yet. I only came here because I didn’t want to go home yet.
“Excellent choice,” she replies. “My best friend says Greystone has the best chocolate shakes ever, and she’d know because she’s tried them all. Are you ready to order, or do you need another minute?”
I glance at the menu; nothing really pops out at me. “I’ll take some onion rings as well, thank you.”
“Coming right up.”
I have a feeling thatright upis quite literal. I don’t know how this diner stays open because no one is there whenever I pass it on my way home. Well, not no one. There’s a booth not too far away from me where two other girls are sitting, and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen them through the window a few times because one of them looks familiar.
My server, Maia, I think she said her name was, rings in my order and then heads toward the only other table.
Except she doesn’t take their order. She sits down.
I don’t have to question if she knows them because, if sitting down didn’t give it away, the instant laughter would’ve.
I never had that. I was so focused on taking care of my mom. Making sure she made it home at night and through the night. I guess friends didn’t seem important then.
And how was I supposed to explain to people that they couldn’t come over to my house because what parent would want their kid in a home with easily accessible drugs?
So, I stopped caring about making friends and focused on getting through school to get out of this town.
So I could get awayfrom her.
How messed up is that? My mom’s struggling with addiction, and I’m concerned about getting away from her the first chance I get.