Kai scoffs. “You do not.”
I shrug, bringing the drone back toward us. “I kinda do.”
“You freaky weirdo.”
I laugh and land the drone. “Give me a break. It was extra credit I severely needed.”
“I doubt you needed it that badly. You’ve been studying day and night. If you’re still failing after all that work, there’s no hope for you.”
I shove the controller at him. “Well, thanks.”
“I wasn’t being sarcastic. I really mean you’ve been working hard and it should pay off.”
I cross my arms. “And what if it doesn’t? I’ll be too dumb to function?”
“You’re so touchy about this school stuff.” He grabs my shoulder, giving me a slight shake. “James, you’re not getting kicked out of school. You’re too stubborn to let that happen.” He smirks. “I know that because you’re exactly like me.”
I blow out a hard breath. “Kai, I really don’t want to leave Ashworth Academy. The thought petrifies me.”
He nudges me and then picks up the drone. “It’s not happening, Jamie. I’ll protest harder than I’ve ever done if they even consider tearing up your scholarship.”
I giggle, easily picturing the scene Kai would create. “Okay, bro, I believe you.”
“I got you.” He grins, giving me a salute. “Come on, let’s head home. I’m starving.”
Twenty-Two
Miloavoidedeyecontactduring dinner. I kept trying to steal his attention, but Kai took over the table, ensuring each parent and grandparent did in fact love Tabitha to pieces.
Milo left the table early and I couldn’t follow. Grandma Nelson asked to see vacation pictures Aunt Maddy sent me. Not only did I have to hear Kai gush about his movie make-out session, but I also got an ambush of photos. Coconut drinks, a frangipani covered bed, lagoon pools, and cutesy couple poses. At least my aunt is having fun, I guess.
I help carry plates to the kitchen and then make my way to the stairs. I walk up the steps, and then halt as Milo makes his way down. He stops midway, staring at me blankly.
“Milo,” I whisper. “Can we talk?”
He leans against the banister. “Why would you want to? I’m a loser, aren’t I?”
My insides crush, and I force myself up two more steps. “I didn’t mean it. It just slipped out.”
“Because you saw Kai and wanted to be on his side. I thought maybe you’d tell him the game wasn’t so bad so he’d lay off. I saw you having fun.”
“It was fun,” I admit. “But the past few days, even when we’re trying to make up, Kai and I end up fighting. I just wanted an easy win.”
Milo hurries down the steps, slipping past me. “Well, I’m glad I made such an easy target for you.”
I turn on the step, watching him descend the staircase. “Milo, don’t be like this. I’m sorry. Really.”
He keeps moving along the ground floor and disappears into the rear of the house. I hug the banister, getting its help to stay upright as I drag myself upstairs.
I move into the bedroom and find Alfred on the bed. He looks up at me, sprawled out, and purrs.
“Can I join you?” I ask in a wounded tone.
I pluck Mom’s diary from my bag and squeeze in beside the cat. I slip my legs under the bed cover and flip over a page, hoping to be comforted by Mom’s words.
Jamie.
I finally named my baby.
