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Thirteen
Noah had never really lived in a house before. They’d had an apartment for most of his life. At least that he could remember.
There was grass in the front yard. And a big tree. There was a big red truck in the driveway and a van.
“Does he have other kids?” Noah hoped he did. That would at least make sense. What kind of guy just wanted some random extra kid? An ex-girlfriend’s kid by another guy? No guys around his mom ever wanted him and Nova hanging out with them.
“No. Nick was a bit shocked this morning when he was told he had a daughter. Do you remember him at all? He’s from a really nice family. I’m friends with several of them.” Linsey turned off the car and then looked at him. “I know this sucks for you, Noah. You loved your mom a whole lot, and she loved you and Nova, too. What happened to her was awful. My best friend has the same problem as your mom—she’s in jail now, and her kids are with their grandparents. I see them on weekends when I can. This is a sucky situation all around. But this is a chance for you and Nova to be ok again. I promise. Nick is a really nice guy. He’ll take care of Nova—and you, too. I know we don’t know each other very well, but I would never take you somewhere you would be unsafe or unhappy, ok? Give this guy a chance. You might just like it here. You and Nova both.”
Noah just stared at her.
He was going to have to get out of this car sometime.
He thought he remembered Nick. His mom had had lots of boyfriends in the past. Sometimes they were nice to Noah and Nova. Most times they just wanted him and Nova to stay out of the way while they partied with their mom.
If this Nick had been one of his mom’s boyfriends, maybe Noah hadn’t liked him very much back then? Maybe Nick hadn’t liked Noah either.
“He just said I could stay here because he has my sister.” This Nick guy didn’t want Noah. Nick wanted Nova.
He probably just wanted Noah to help him take care of Nova or something.
But…would that be so bad? He’d taken care of her before, anyway. And…their mom hadn’t wanted Nova, around. Maybe it was fair that Nova’s dad didn’t want him now?
He’d be with his sister again. Wasn’t that what he really wanted?
This Nick guy was Nova’s dad—Nova wasn’t leaving him, no matter what. Even if this Nick was really mean, Nova was stuck with him.
To stay with Nova, Noah had to stay with Nick. Somehow. Noah had to make this work.
Or he’d lose his sister for real. Again. Maybe it shouldn’t matter to him that much, but…she was his sister. She needed him.
Noah pulled in a deep breath. His fingers wrapped around the door handle.
He pulled.
He just wanted to see his sister. Make sure she was going to be ok, at least.
Then he’d decide if he was sticking around this place Linsey had said was called Masterson.
What a stupid name for a town.
Noah could do this.
Nova was inside.
