I allowed Evvie to stay the night, but I was still freaking out. Though I should’ve been smart enough to know that trying to sneak Evvie into my room wouldn’t be easy, especially because my dad just got home.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYwENLz8Sz
“Ezra Ace!” I heard my dad call, slamming the door behind him. Evvie instantly let go of my hand and shook her head. I sighed, because she was still scared of my dad. But to be honest, I couldn’t completely blame her.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjCvCc9pI7
“I can’t talk to your dad,” Evvie whispered. “I’m terrified of him.”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfANlCGLyf
I glared at her. “You don’t think I am?”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqmC8opKMR
She was about to say something, but then closed her mouth again before another word got out. She slowly took a breath, and then grabbed my hand and followed me downstairs, where my dad was waiting.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhXGEMEcFU
“Hi, Dad,” I said. I let go of Evvie’s hand, since it was behind me, and looked at Evvie. “You remember Evvie Hamill, right?”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVwUClMNNU
Dad raised his eyebrows. “You’re Mexican, right?”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmSO0GAzOs
That was what he wanted to say to her? Of all things? I looked over to Evvie quickly, who had crossed her arms over her chest and was biting back a smile.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qMLVpY4OH
“Yes,” she said. “I am. But that really has nothing to do-”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf9w3u8JgG
“What’s she doing home?” Dad asked, raising his eyebrows to her again. He was looking at Evvie as if she was gum on his shoe, and it bothered me, a lot. I hated when he treated people like this because it put me in such a horrible place.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJY9pDV4PB
I did my best to keep from rolling my eyes and nodded to Evvie. “She’s gonna be spending the night.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7XRWXxwxm
“Spending the night?” Dad asked, but he couldn’t even get to the end of his question seriously before he burst into laughter. “That doesn’t even sound believable, Ezra.”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYb7lOfJe0w
I couldn’t snap back at my dad as I’ve always wanted to, so I just sighed and shook my head quickly. “I have a girlfriend, Dad.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGMLsHbrMZ
“Yes…” Dad began. “But Haven’s kind of annoying. I’d only see any reason to marry her because of how much money her family has.”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WrCR3XDRL
“That’s a-” Evvie started, her voice rising. But she stopped herself before anything else could’ve been said. I wanted her to say something. Because not only was my dad probably the most homophobic person I’ve ever met in my life, he puts pity on women. Something Evelyn’s learned and does her best never to mention. She pretends to be just as helpless as I am, but outside of the house, she’s nothing like Dad thinks she is.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YI788L4cA
Dad raised his eyebrows again, this look on his face. Though, he looked over to me. “Are you cheating?” he asked.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbID2FBAb8
I quickly shook my head. “No!” I exclaimed.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbPIXhq8Ic
Okay, it was a lie. I was cheating. Just….not with whom I’d be expected to cheat on Haven with.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RbQYkYJoa
“Then why would a girl be staying the night?” Dad asked, raising his eyebrows to Evvie again. Evvie was still watching the conversation, her arms crossed. And though I knew she was trying to look tough, I could see the fear in her eyes.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4m3IpIjZU
“Because,” I told my dad, trying to keep my eyes away from Evvie. “She’s my friend. I can have friends who are girls. Just like Evelyn can have friends that are guys.”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN1Hj4csOs
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Dad was about to say something, but he then closed his mouth, thinking about what I’d just said. His eyes were harder to read than Mom’s were when she was thinking about something. Usually, Mom would have this “in another world” look when her kids had stunned her. But Dad, well, it really just depended on where you were with him.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi8s87M6Rb
“Ezra-” he began. His voice sounded firm, and like I was about to be given a lesson. But I had already braced myself for this, and I guess Evvie would just have to do her best and not say a word about any of it. But before my dad could even finish the rest of what he was about to say, Mom walked in.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcgEgY3Yi2
Thank goodness for Mom. “Hi, darling,” she said, smiling to Dad. Dad turned and looked at her, but didn’t show any affection. Sometimes I wondered if they’d ever actually loved each other. But then I think of how dumb of a question that would be, and the trouble I’d get in for saying it out loud. copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKYY1C1zHc
Mom didn’t even seem offended by Dad not saying anything back, so she looked at me. And then Evvie. “Hello, Evvie,” she said, a welcoming smile on her face. “What are you doing back in town?”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYu0rC7eJZ
Evvie smiled to her, looking pretty thankful. “Hi, Mrs. Gatley. Nice to see you again.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1cGFsFIrX
My dad mumbled something under his breath, but I wasn’t close enough to hear whatever commentary he wanted to add.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkHJiImki3
Mom smiled and moved next to Dad, walking with grace, even though she was in house shoes. “How have you been, sweetie?”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9209uDhIn
“I’ve been great,” Evvie said, using her friendly smile again. “Your home looks just as amazing as when Ezra was in 9th grade.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8osP4UuNl
She knew the best ways to get to my mom. And one of those ways was complimenting the house. My mom works, but it allowed to take time off any time she wants - since Dad’s working with that business as well. My mom is kind of like what I guessed women would be like in the 1800s. Loyal to their husband, caring to the children, cooking all the meals, and cleaning the house. So when Evvie complimented my mom about our house, it only made sense that Mom beamed.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡryG8hYQEj8
“How kind of you!” she said, smiling fully. “What would you be doing here, and with Ezra?”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPiKQreuIX
Evvie looked at me for a moment, and I shook my head fast. I wasn’t answering to my mom. Then, I’d be lying. And lying as like an unspoken rule in our house, you never, ever lie. Giving up on me, Evvie turned herself back to my parents. “I came back in town, and maybe starting at EastLand next week or something. I just wanted to spend some time with Ezra, since we were friends before we started dating.”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNtQpkUnYL
Good cover up.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ6gsVknp7
“Oh,” Mom said, giving one of those looks like she was trying to see if Evvie had lied or not. “Well, then why did you come from the back door, sweetie?”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wy9eSerk2
“We were hanging out outside,” I said, cutting in. My dad’s eyes went straight to me, but I didn’t dare to make eye contact. “It’s a beautiful day.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQGpZYoPCH
Mom smiled, nodding. “Indeed, Ezra,” she said. “So...what exactly is happening?”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtPzJX2gQJ
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“Don’t worry!” Evvie assured. “I have a boyfriend back in Alaska, and I’ve heard that Ezra and Haven are an adorable couple. I would never interfere with something like that.” To be honest, I wished she would. Because me getting caught kissing Evvie - not that big of a deal. But me caught kissing Delcan, now, that’s another story.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIqnYTijgH
My mom nodded, her lips slightly parted as she tried understanding all of this. “Well, I don’t exactly see a problem with any of it, I guess.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZy8ox6MnI
“You’re not worried about a teenage girl sleeping in the same room as our son?” Dad asked, suddenly making his way into the conversation.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl30C8nlse
I looked at him, slightly annoyed, but doing my best to hide it. “What’s so bad about any of that?” copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJWd6V6pfm
“Don’t, Gatley,” Dad muttered, sounding more like a warning than a threat.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GmFOKdVxA
But I backed off. I backed off because fighting with my dad would get me nowhere, and I’d be put bellow first favorite.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0WG1zPoUh
“Sorry, Dad,” I said. “My door will be unlocked, though. So no worries.” I was about to leave, so I could breathe normally again, but Mom called my name out before Evvie and I could even get up the first step.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡCH1yV8u1xJ
“Yes?” I asked.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEqLkfvya3
Mom was silent for a moment, but then she smiled. “Maybe Evvie could join of for the game tomorrow?” she asked.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O36v5FktA
Evvie’s back straightened, and she shrugged. “I would have to see if my mom’s okay with it,” she said. “But I can definitely try.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5iDEdL8fj
Mom smiled at her, then left the room. Leaving it back to the awkward trio that I’m sure would end horribly. I wanted to just run up the stairs and get all of this over with, but something about Dad’s stare made me stay.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEYipixVRI
“Evvie,” he said, not even taking his eyes off of me. “Go to Ezra’s room and wait. Watch Netflix or something.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0w2617MmA
Evvie hesitated, but then left without question. I sighed, but turned around quickly and looked at my dad. “What is it?” I asked, making sure my voice sounded like I actually wanted to know what he was saying.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYGFBlTnt9
Dad shrugged, and then sat down on the barstool. “I never understood why you dated that girl,” he muttered, resting his chin on his head as if he actually cared. Without question, I sat down next to him on the barstool to his right. copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlNFEdXb9P
“She’s pretty nice once you get to know her,” I said.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7PqaWshIO
Dad raised his eyebrows. “But she’s not even the same race as you, and her parents are divorced. They hardly have any money.”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr7iBmbPNv
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“They live in a two-story house. And her dad owns a place in Alaska. They only broke up a little while ago.” I muttered. Though they weren’t even my real parents, it bothers me when people talked about Evvie’s divorced parents-like it was something to be upset about. More kids had divorced parents than kids who had two actual parents. I was lucky to have a Mom and Dad who (I hope) love each other and to be fortunate with the money we have.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsKD7oQ5A0
And even though Evvie never mentioned the real reason about her parents, I understood. I never really had to mention why I couldn’t come out. Just see my dad for thirty minutes and you’ll understand. copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu7KUiGmzp
“Doesn’t mean that they have money, Ezra,” he said.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡaswX1ilWY6
I took a few breaths, making sure I was careful with my words. Evelyn was supposed to be the one expected to marry someone rich, and I was put first in line on my father and mother’s will. I didn’t see how marrying someone with less would even affect me, especially because marriage isn’t even something I care about now. “That’s your opinion, Dad,” I said. “Plus, I’m only sixteen. It’ll be another fifteen years until I actually want to marry.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOz4rGsiL3
Dad sighed. “And when you do marry a woman-” It for sure won’t be a woman. “I expect you to marry well. And have grandchildren.” copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGxqqsI7Oi
There are ways for that, in case you’re wondering.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZL2WMliJk
“I will, Dad.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡo38X8AEBSq
My dad patted me on the back, his eyes looking down at the marble counter. “That’s why you’re my favorite, Ezra,” he said. “You always listen.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb6bBwDkEs
I hated when he called me his favorite. I always felt like he basically neglects Eric, and gives Evelyn all of the second attention. Emmanuel was never Dad’s favorite because he could care less about sports. But it always felt….strange how much attention Evelyn and I got, compared to my other siblings.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡDasodpazHU
“Can I go to my room?” I asked. Dad nodded, and I jumped out of my seat and left, not even waiting to see if he had anything else to say to me. I rushed up the stairs quickly and then slammed my door behind me. Evvie was sprawled out on my bed, scrolling through something on her phone. She looked up once the door slammed, her eyes seeming kind of alarmed.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6X245CIGu
“How’d that conversation go?” she asked.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kGewiLaCp
I shrugged and sat down at my desk, which wasn’t very far away from where my bed was. “I seriously hate him sometimes,” I whispered.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfA5DOuOoc
Evvie smiled. “Understandable.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhiGjmMV4s
“I don’t understand how a person could be homophobic, racist, and unloving,” I said, thinking about how Dad basically ignored my mom when she walked into the room. “It doesn’t even seem possible.”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NJz4OvHNP
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Sitting up, Evvie put her phone to the side and looked at me. “Not every person in this world is good,” she said. “And not every child understands that.”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyivfzeUTd
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Child. That word always irritated me. I wasn’t a child (unless somehow sixteen meant that I was the same as Emmanuel), but you didn’t seem to get any respect until eighteen years old rolls around the corner. But still, I’m guessing she didn’t really mean any harm by the words.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsIb82xUYC
Plus, it wasn’t myself I was so worried about.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpPbvhvUu0
“But what about Emmanuel?” I asked. My younger brother wasn’t as strong as Eric and I grew up to be, and Evelyn soon learned how to be what image our parents wanted. But, Emmanuel wasn’t athletic at all, and he likes hanging out with people. He found fun in comfort in other people, unlike me, who hated being close. He wasn’t strong like Dad wants him to be, and I don’t know how that’ll play out for him.copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡW77dlj8o0S
Evvie blinked, knowing how clingy my brother was. “I’m sure he’ll be fine, Ez.”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4i8u90gaI
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“And what if he isn’t?”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQzGZ5LW8y
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She hesitated again but then relaxed a little. “You’re brother has you for another two years and Evelyn for three. And you know that your sister will do whatever it takes to keep him safe. Plus, I don’t see why you’re so worried.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkYAxkUGIV
Because Emmanuel hasn’t been showing interest in anyone yet. copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxPT5UmFyL
I shrugged because it didn’t even seem to matter anymore. “Yeah, I guess so,” I muttered. “Are you really going to EastLand?”101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf28pgF8I7
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Evvie nodded. “I decided on moving back. I mean, clearly, I’ve missed out on a lot, and I think that going back to school here would be a fresh start.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rk61SqWz9
“I thought you hated your mom,” I said. copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7HH1MCora
Evvie nodded slowly, not making eye contact with me. I might’ve been in the wrong for saying that, but all I was doing was making my statement. There couldn’t be any harm in that. “I’m getting used to her now,” she said. I waited for her to continue, and she laid out on my bed again. “So….let’s talk about this text.”copyright protection97ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EYGOSbr78
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