Page 111 (2/2)

I watched theia, yet still pretending she was the one as the fastest He was only a year older than her, but was easily twice her size But he’d never been one to relish in winning, or to rub his superior size in someone’s face—unless it was Lawson’s He’d always been happiest when he let Georgia think she was the best

And wasn’t that typical Hampton?

Strong, sweet, dependable

I stood rooted in place on the edge of the grass, unable tothe people I loved most race around me

We were playing freeze tag, taking advantage of the break froer than it elco, it had been alh for a sweatshirt Almost

“Hurry up, Ha me already!”

It was un to change into the bright reds and oranges I loved so h I didn’t like waking up early, I did love learning about new things It was getting closer to Christmas, which was my favorite holiday Not just because of all the presents, but because ent on vacation to the mountains

Lawson, Haia weren’t actually my brothers and sister, but it felt like they were Myfor their family since my actual brother, Jack, and I were just babies My mom liked to call us her own personal staircase Laas the oldest at twelve, with Haia was a year older than Jack and est We’d all grown up together, spending our suht like ere all siblings, and sometimes I wondered how my mother could stand it, but we also loved like brothers and sisters do, and I knew they considered us family

“Pip! I’, be ready to run!” Jack shouted I twistedtoward me, and nodded

Georgia switched gears when she heard him call out and darted after Jack She was hot on his heels, so I knew that as soon as he tagged o If I didn’t, she would freeze ain

I watched as Jack barreled toward h ame and I was ready to run