Page 39 of The Commons

I blink, taken aback, flustered in his presence. So I push harder, to see what’s behind his actions. “Why did you kiss me?” I speak softly, almost under my breath.

He draws closer to my face. “Because I read your mind.”

“What? The Cognitive Test shows my⁠—”

“No, it doesn’t. But I just read it right now.”

He draws closer to my lips, but I can’t afford to show him how I feel. I am still not sure if I trust him. I did give him my first kiss. I can’t give him a second one without knowing that I trust him with my mind as much as I do with my emotions, so I draw back and turn my face away to the right.

He looks at me, then looks down. “I am sorry if you were humiliated.”

“I wasn’t. Thanks to you. So, what’s your story? Are those your friends, Lenon, and the other Patrons?”

He steps back and turns away. “Those are my fellow Patrons. That’s it.”

I notice his disesteem when he says the word Patron.

“So, you don’t agree with what they’re doing?” I walk toward him, curious.

He turns toward me. “The Powers that Be grant the Patrons a high level of untamed freedom. I don’t agree with a lot of things that a lot of people do.”

This is the perfect moment to ask him about Levon, but I lose my courage. Instead, I say, “Like the Patron De Londe? He’s the one who picks you guys, right?”

“Correct.” We stare at each other.

Beginning to let my guard down, I respond, “Why don’t you do something about it? Try to be the change?”

“Things aren’t always that easy.” He comes closer to me. “You would know that, wouldn’t you?”

Is this about Levon? “What do you mean?”

“With your parents?”

“Oh! I didn’t mean to say all that in the Oratory Test.”

“I know you didn’t. But I liked that you did, with me that is.” He takes another step forward.

“So, is that why you helped me in the hallway? Because I lost my chill on the O Test?” I move back, rubbing my feet together.

“No. Because I’m beginning to think I can trust you.”

I look his way, drawn, but before I ask about my sister, I push for a stronger confirmation. “Why’s that? It’s not like you understand what it’s like to feel powerless.”

“You would be surprised.” He goes to sit down at the corner in front of the grass garnished wall. “You’re not the only one who doesn’t feel seen, Shantavia.”

“I just can’t see how anyone can possibly ignore you, Pesh.”

“Neither can I, you.”

I fold my lips to hide my smile at his validation. I sit down right next to him and cross my legs, growing comfortably nervous in his presence. “Parents?” I ask.

“Parent.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.”

“My mom’s gone,” he says, “But my dad, all he does is hurt people and hurt me.”

“I’m sorry about that.”