Page 27 (1/2)

Chapter 11

Silas

I don’t knohy I said that except that she seeht actually be able to do it I look at a girl like that, who’s somehoild and polished at the saured out If anyone does, it’s her

So, I keep going

"What if there’s so the only things I care about? How do I fix so, and I wish I could pluck all the thoughts froaze first¸ and I notice her hands are clutched tightly around the edge of the table

"It appears I noo ways to ain

"You don’t really think that, do you? That you’re broken?"

"It’s a working theory"

"Silas, h to realize that they need help Just the fact that you’re askingwith it"

I laugh, and it probably sounds dark and , but I can’t help it She’s so daht-up busted, and they knew it They kne fked they were, but that didn’tcontrol of it

"No, I’rating, but I’"

"I think you’re just frustrated, andI like about herthat air of sunshine that radiates off herit’s the sa that I can’t stand So I skip the pep talk and cut straight to the point

"I’ve been suspended from the football team"

She stops, her mouth still open around the word she’d been about to say Her eyes soften, and her head tilts to the side

"H-How? What happened?"

"I got in a fight"

"Another one?"

I drop h to hurt

"Yes, another one And Coach knew about the first one, too"

"Is fighting against the rules?"

"It’s kind of an unspoken rule not to deck your own tea noise behind her pursed lips, and I want to take the words back, reel them back in and lock them away She soht, even though she walked away, and if I don’t stop I’ll destroy that, too

"Why?"

"Because he ry"

"Why?"

"Because he’s a prick"

She huffs "I ry?"

"Because" I press ainst the table and stand I can’t sit here and talk about this with her like it’s nor to cut it What e, turn, and walk back

"He said I was going to end up like Levi"