Page 121 of My Family

"Auntie," Tyler starts, his voice barely audible.

"I know, I know," Marie says, already dialing, her fingers moving quickly over the screen. "But people change. They deserve a second chance, don't they? They're still your parents. That's what God wants. He wants us to forgive our parents."

She means well. I can see that. The hope in her eyes is almost painful to look at. My dad shifts uncomfortably beside me, obviously sensing the tension. I want to stop this, to say something, but it's not my place.

The phone connects.

Marie's face lights up as she holds the screen out toward Ethan and Tyler.

"Look who's here!"

On the screen is a woman with thin lips and her hair pulled into a bun. Behind her stands a man as tall as Ethan but without any of his strength, his shoulders slightly hunched.

For a moment, everyone is completely still. Ethan's mother speaks first. Her voice is flat, rehearsed.

"We're glad you're doing well."

Neither Ethan nor Tyler responds.

I can feel Ethan's pulse racing through our joined hands.

"We've been telling people you're at a private academy," his mother continues, her eyes not quite meeting the camera. "Boarding school. Sounds better."

"We are at an academy," Tyler says quietly.

She laughs, a sharp, brittle sound.

"I don't think this type of reform school counts, Tyler. Let's call it what it is. Jail. Your cousins ask when you're coming home. What am I supposed to tell them?"

"Tell the truth," Ethan says.

His voice is steady, but I can hear the anger beneath it.

"The truth."

Their father leans into the frame now, his face red from whatever he'd been drinking before this call.

"And what is the truth?" His voice rises. "That you couldn't stop being selfish? Couldn't stop making scenes? Your brother—I understand…"

He gestures vaguely toward Tyler.

"Drugs are drugs. But you."

He points at Ethan, his finger jabbing toward the screen.

"You were the smart one. The good one. And you threw it all away because you couldn't control your temper."

"Ethan never…!" Tyler starts.

"Don't."

Their father's voice cuts through him.

"Don't you defend him. Not after what he did."

Ethan's hand in mine goes completely still.

Frozen.