Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 54059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
“Uncle Bam is doing it tonight. She likes him better than me anyway.”
“I highly doubt that. How long have you known him?”
“Eighth grade. He bumped into me in the lunchroom and spilled my food all over my clothes. I hit him, and he hit me back, and we both ended up in detention. I think we fought like three more times, which ended up extending our time in detention. Basically, we ended up spending three months together. Since we didn’t want to serve it anymore, we made this pact that we wouldn’t beat each other up no matter what.”
“So yours is like an enemies to lovers story.”
“I don’t know about the lovers, and I can’t really even say we are enemies. We’re just dumb. And we like to fight so maybe like dummies to less dummies?”
“You don’t seem very dumb to me. You seem like you know what’s going on.”
I snort. “Andy, I don’t know shit. I don’t have my life together like you. You have plans. I can barely see what’s happening tomorrow, let alone having dreams of houses in the suburbs and earning four-year degrees.”
“I think you have more vision than you give yourself credit for. You’re obviously doing what you’re doing because you want to give your sister a better life.”
“You see me differently.”
“Is that good or bad?”
“I don’t know. I guess it’s good. Because you see me in a good light. But it’s bad because I don’t know that I’m the person you see.”
“I have perfect 20/20 vision.” She tucks her hand in mine.
With her beside me, I know I want to be better.
Chapter Twenty
ANDY
I’m not sure what to make of Niki and me at this point. For the past couple of days, whether I’m leaving school or getting off one of my shifts at the diner, he’s always there to walk me home, often bringing food with him too. No clue what that makes us, but I know that I like it.
Are we dating or only friends? He hasn’t tried to kiss me again, but he might think I’ll run off and hide in the nearest bathroom like the last time. I still get embarrassed when I recall that. Niki hasn't brought it up, which I’m eternally grateful for. It’s enough that I have to relive it in my memories.
Today is one of my early days out of school. I don't remember telling Niki that, but he's outside of the school when I exit. He's leaning up against the brick wall that has the school's name displayed out front. Niki totally has those too-cool-for-school vibes, which I didn't think was really a thing.
I always find it funny how people give him a wide berth at all times. I'm jealous because I often get shoulder-checked. The thought of someone even trying that with Niki has a smile forming on my face. They would be knocked flat on their asses.
"Niki!" I can't contain my excitement when I see him. He's the first person I get to share this news with. I'm bursting with happiness. I still don't know how I got so lucky. I practically launch myself at him. He easily catches me but lets out a grunt, smiling. "Oh hush, I'm not that heavy," I laugh. I wiggle in his hold as I slide down his body and back to my feet.
“No, you’re perfect,” Niki responds, causing my cheeks to flush.
“Trying to butter me up for something?” I joke.
“Why don’t you tell me what has you so excited that you practically knocked me down?” I roll my eyes at him because he’s being completely ridiculous. I’m not sure a truck could knock him down. He’s turning out to be all-around solid. I'm not accustomed to that from the people in my life.
“Remember my call to Synergy Recovery Center?” I had a call with them, and my mom did too. She’s getting out of the hospital tomorrow. I didn’t think it was a great idea for her to come home right away.
I thought a rehab place would be a better option to get her on the road to recovery. Her coming back to the same environment would only lead to her falling into old habits again. The hospital has already been helping her detox, so going straight from there would be ideal.
“Yeah.”
“They emailed me back, and they said she’s in!” I squeal the last part. I know I shouldn’t get my hopes up too high, but I want this time to be different so badly. I’m praying that with help, Mom can turn her life around.
“That’s good.” He smiles down at me, but his smile doesn’t reach his eyes.
“She’ll go.” Hell, I don't even sound confident now. "She promised," I add, not sure if I’m doing it for him or me.
"You've done more than your part, Andy. I'm proud of you." Whoa. Hearing him say he's proud of me hits me sideways. A range of emotions fills me.