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“I like this. We should definitely do this more.” she says.
“Yeah.”
She sets the glass down.
“Teddy says you’re coming back next year, right?” she asks.
“Yes.” I say.
“That is so exciting. We can take you to get your first tattoo, or your first piercing if you want?”
I stared at her.
“Um sure.”
This was awkward.
“Look, Raven.” she says, and I turn my attention to her and my dad. “I know that things haven’t been good. We both realize that. But, we both want you two in our lives and we will try to make it as easy as possible for you two.”
Ryan looks up at me.
“Rave?”
I look down at him.
“Yeah?”
“I love you.”
I look into his little eyes. Innocent and pure. He was aware, but this was still his childhood. He didn’t need a brooding sister making things more difficult.
My dad was still a dick, and I didn’t have to like Marie.
But, I could pretend and try to be cordial until he had to stop coming here.
“I love you too bub.”
I turn to Marie.
“I will try.” I say, and snuggle closer to my little brother.
SIX
10 months later….
“Raven, what are your plans for summer?” Mrs. Young asks me as I finish packing up my bag.
I was the last one to leave the classroom, but I always found that to be rather fun because I get to talk to my favorite teacher.
“Umm. I’m going to my dads with my little brother.”
I settle my backpack on my shoulder and walk towards her desk.
Gray hair always pulled back in a neat ponytail, and a cardigan over a dress, she was the epitome of an English teacher.
“Well dear, I hope you have a fantastic time. I will see you after the break.”
Yes, I just turned eighteen and I was a junior.
