Page 14 (1/2)

I searchout this er sister was always a source of drama when I saw hi around with boys and staying out all night, her skirts hiked up and shirts unbuttoned low "She ot her through high-school, barely," he adds "She waitresses at the bar so to talk to her about fashion school, so she can do sons, but… You know Brit" His voice is wry, but full of affection, and I’ain of the side to E brother, single-handedly trying to raise two younger siblings, while his mom fell in and out of addiction and bad relationships

"And Ray Jay?" I have to ask, but I brace myself for the reply all the same Eer I’d knoas full of anger and wild, reckless rage E his best to keep him in line, but Ray Jay hated hi stuck in a small town

"He’s not my proble, but I hear the twist under his nonchalance "Kid skipped town the day he turned eighteen Last I heard, he was out in Tallahassee, doing God knohat"

"I’s, "I don’t really blaet the fk out of tohen I was his age too"

"But you didn’t" I say softly, thinking of all his sacrifice and selfless responsibility "You stayed"

"Someone had to" Emerson’s voice twists I think of his mom, and dad too, everyone who’s walked away fro about ot the fk out of town then, and left Eo, but I could have fought him harder, I could have made him see I let him push me away, and I’ve hated myself for it ever since I felt likeaway, but I realize now for the first tio

I feel sadness and regret course through me, a familiar empty ache I hoped would fade in ti in the back of my throat

I quickly lift , which is careening wildly across the sand The camera hides my face for a minute, and I use the escape to take a few quick breaths, desperately using every ounce of self-control to pull ether

You can do this, I reh worse God, so much worse

The reality check works When I finally lower the ca rin on his beautiful face

"Still taking photos," he smiles "You o in the end… I e," I add, self-conscious, "But not for that I haven’t picked this thing up in years"