Page 104 of The Corruption of Hollis Brown

“Come here, Hollis.”

They curled close and didn’t think about how they still hadn’t brushed their teeth and were wearing jeans.

Annie’s strawberry Twizzler breath skated over their eyelids and her soft small hands wound themselves over his shoulder.

“Go to sleep,” Annie whispered. “I love you still.”

Rib

In the morning, when the sun was half up and everything was purple and pink, Hollis got out of the pile of blankets.

He covered Annie with his side of the quilt and kissed her on the forehead. Left a note. Turned off the TV. Grabbed Mr. Watanabe’s violin and went next door.

They took a quick shower and got dressed.

You should take me.

To the train?

I want to understand you. The way you were before I arrived.

You sure?

Yes.

Hollis put his fingertips to their mouth. Kissed them quick and sweet.

Anything you want.

Riot

Yulia wasn’t waiting for either of them when they got to school. Annie scowled.

“What a bitch.”

“She’s not a bitch, she’s being normal. You’re the one being weirdly okay about this. As thankful as I am that you are,” Hollis said.

“What do you think, Walt? Is Yulia being a bitch?” Annie tugged the tassels on either side of her hat angrily.

Walt rubbed the top of their nose.

“She’s got spark. You get yourself a girl with spark, you can’t go around bein’ shocked by fire.”

“Do I have spark?”

“You’re a cream puff through and through,” Walt said, grinning. “Even angry I think.”

Annie stuck her tongue out at him, until he laughed raw and sweet.

Timothy flicked his eyes over to Hollis as soon as they sat down in English.

“Jorge is back,” he said.

“Wasn’t he supposed to be back last week?” Walt asked.

Timothy shrugged. “Don’t know. I don’t really talk to him much now. He’s beefing with James, and to be honest, we’re both kind of done with him. I’m telling you—”

“Timothy, please stop talking.” Their English teacher put a finger to her lips.