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Eli stares out the front windshield "Besides what’s happening with Mom, I’ toldand still in school and I didn’t feel old enough to take care of myself, much less a baby"

My mouth dries out and a million questions form in my mind, but I don’t kno to ask any of them I crave for him to tell ht learn

"The point is, I was scared and so was your ured out hoork past the fear When I look at you, I see Meg Your mom--she was fearless"

I’ve heard a lot of people say a lot of negative things about my mother in the past feeeks, but I don’t see hatred in Eli’s eyes I spot the same pain that always seems to live within him, but I also spot admiration and possibly love For ardless, there is love

Maybe there’s room to love him--that is if he really does have room in his life to love s when he turns the keys The engine ruhtens back in his seat "This truck is a piece of shit There’s not much more you can do to it and ood"

"Eli" I protest

"Put your foot on the brake, shift into Drive, then gently tap the gas I also suggest holding on to the steering wheel"

"Eli" I try again

"You can do this," he pushes Okay I can do this A surge of adrenaline grabs me and I do exactly what Eli asks

Oz

I’VE NEVER BEEN so buzzed in rins at me as he holds out my cut and beyond hiht underneath the words Mother Chapter I slip

I inhale and the scent of leather hitsand when he clapsthe three-piece patch It’s a sign of respect No one touches the patch and now I’