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Likeis up with Gia and her stepsister My sisters are no fools At fifteen alirls; they should; they led that crew for a while in ht They were young and didn’t know the shit they were doing and how harmful it could be until I made them watch some after-school specials and threatened them with Pop

They caught on real quick, and we didn’t have an issue after that Now, they’re the ‘it’ kids who everyone wants to hang with, and I’d had to navigate that shit as well, culling the true friends froainst theet to me

“I’ve already requested her as your tutor in calculus” That’s stretching the truth a bit, but whatever It’s not like I’onna tell them I hacked into the system to do that shit The looks on their faces showed their surprise “We don’t…”

“I know you don’t need help, but it’s the best I could come up with”

“Oh, I see Is Gia good in calculus?” Anna looked at Rosa when she asked ood at everything”

“Ohhh” They shared a conspiratorial look Fuck!

GABRIEL

“Moving right along” I kepttheir part, playing down my interest as best I could They were hyped, and I had to caution theave shit up and landedI just said” They rolled their eyes in unison but did as I asked

“Don’t forget, just bring it up in conversation at the breakfast table Ma will do the rest” I guess you can say I’uilt because it’s for a good cause Never said I wasn’t a shit kid I let the back for a few before following after them By the time I reached the kitchen, everyone else was there already

“Morning, son, you look ”

“Thanks, Ma” I gave my round of cheek busses and took ain Set, and I feltreaction for the circu toI just wanted to help her out of what I assume is a fucked-up situation

Forinvolved like this was no more or less what I would’ve done for a wounded ani I’ve been known to do in the past I staunchly ignored the little voice in the back ofthat this was different It can’t be I won’t let it I don’t have the time nor the inclination for this shit

I watched and listened as the twins played the roo our parents up and didn’t seeain, they’re et a head start now, and I want her to help us”