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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAPjABrbfR7G 維尼
“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.8964 copyright protection396PENANA4HvYetmXxa 維尼
“I can’t talk to your dad,” Evvie whispered. “I’m terrified of him.”400Please respect copyright.PENANAM1xRZ6R5gR
I glared at her. “You don’t think I am?”400Please respect copyright.PENANADmfomSNBWe
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.8964 copyright protection396PENANASkNZ4svIRS 維尼
“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?”400Please respect copyright.PENANAWDe22ymtXp
Dad raised his eyebrows. “You’re Mexican, right?”8964 copyright protection396PENANAe4yPjXW9x6 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAFSOhrod7dp 維尼
“Yes,” she said. “I am. But that really has nothing to do-”400Please respect copyright.PENANAajJy2l6Srz
“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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAQWIfqUlZw1 維尼
I did my best to keep from rolling my eyes and nodded to Evvie. “She’s gonna be spending the night.”8964 copyright protection396PENANAPsdVp2QtVo 維尼
“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.”400Please respect copyright.PENANASQJxKYzaTm
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.”8964 copyright protection396PENANAIBwQ7mbiPR 維尼
“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.”400Please respect copyright.PENANAl54hjAf25Y
“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.8964 copyright protection396PENANADcOvBVlxNp 維尼
Dad raised his eyebrows again, this look on his face. Though, he looked over to me. “Are you cheating?” he asked.8964 copyright protection396PENANAgJTCmpeoye 維尼
I quickly shook my head. “No!” I exclaimed.8964 copyright protection396PENANAXJYhWrMfZw 維尼
Okay, it was a lie. I was cheating. Just….not with whom I’d be expected to cheat on Haven with.8964 copyright protection396PENANAwDkyc8pZHc 維尼
“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.8964 copyright protection396PENANArx3DiXTBxY 維尼
“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.”400Please respect copyright.PENANAGveJKjdoVq
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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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAmmV0k1kUGg 維尼
“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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAcaP6RRVFb4 維尼
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. 8964 copyright protection396PENANA5r2AFJp5aZ 維尼
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?”8964 copyright protection396PENANA192fnAsxc6 維尼
Evvie smiled to her, looking pretty thankful. “Hi, Mrs. Gatley. Nice to see you again.”8964 copyright protection396PENANAVppXH1lg6T 維尼
My dad mumbled something under his breath, but I wasn’t close enough to hear whatever commentary he wanted to add.8964 copyright protection396PENANAUEOiojIdnC 維尼
Mom smiled and moved next to Dad, walking with grace, even though she was in house shoes. “How have you been, sweetie?”8964 copyright protection396PENANAx1C7kpPvDA 維尼
“I’ve been great,” Evvie said, using her friendly smile again. “Your home looks just as amazing as when Ezra was in 9th grade.”8964 copyright protection396PENANA61hXLbREqU 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAhUXZcJ9qFq 維尼
“How kind of you!” she said, smiling fully. “What would you be doing here, and with Ezra?”8964 copyright protection396PENANAtZReowpQ0i 維尼
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.”400Please respect copyright.PENANAOJlyTTdJhD
Good cover up.8964 copyright protection396PENANAvlht8j3WS0 維尼
“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?”400Please respect copyright.PENANAPzmME2EKJT
“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.”8964 copyright protection396PENANAUAw1LThMU2 維尼
Mom smiled, nodding. “Indeed, Ezra,” she said. “So...what exactly is happening?”400Please respect copyright.PENANAuSYlx8i3Mr
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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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAwSEVj7hA8q 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection396PENANAWauKkJzqkH 維尼
“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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAW9bgzCWFfz 維尼
I looked at him, slightly annoyed, but doing my best to hide it. “What’s so bad about any of that?” 8964 copyright protection396PENANApbzVAV2N55 維尼
“Don’t, Gatley,” Dad muttered, sounding more like a warning than a threat.8964 copyright protection396PENANAYPEhZ9xvl3 維尼
But I backed off. I backed off because fighting with my dad would get me nowhere, and I’d be put bellow first favorite.8964 copyright protection396PENANAczCxRswNIB 維尼
“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.8964 copyright protection396PENANADeox1smlkN 維尼
“Yes?” I asked.8964 copyright protection396PENANAI8v54sDQTd 維尼
Mom was silent for a moment, but then she smiled. “Maybe Evvie could join of for the game tomorrow?” she asked.8964 copyright protection396PENANA17GByVDpxB 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection396PENANAsh5Q9xjqjp 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAwD3DVZoefs 維尼
“Evvie,” he said, not even taking his eyes off of me. “Go to Ezra’s room and wait. Watch Netflix or something.”8964 copyright protection396PENANAeOHEqBi2UU 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAhvzo65SRJi 維尼
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. 8964 copyright protection396PENANAeBYIhSCbJi 維尼
“She’s pretty nice once you get to know her,” I said.8964 copyright protection396PENANAmxpitorPXb 維尼
Dad raised his eyebrows. “But she’s not even the same race as you, and her parents are divorced. They hardly have any money.”400Please respect copyright.PENANAoC88hlriCP
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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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAVv4SOy4Fq4 維尼
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. 8964 copyright protection396PENANAZTBZ1et8tG 維尼
“Doesn’t mean that they have money, Ezra,” he said.8964 copyright protection396PENANAiHrhDkht4d 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection396PENANAYOppwnrUne 維尼
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.” 8964 copyright protection396PENANAPZoSEw8qF3 維尼
There are ways for that, in case you’re wondering.8964 copyright protection396PENANAV1knotCgQu 維尼
“I will, Dad.”8964 copyright protection396PENANA55WZyUGNLg 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection396PENANAY39G05wOi1 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAixghT1KdxF 維尼
“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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAZ5gXBS1dgr 維尼
“How’d that conversation go?” she asked.8964 copyright protection396PENANA8Och5vV2kb 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection396PENANACJ28j3CuQE 維尼
Evvie smiled. “Understandable.”8964 copyright protection396PENANACzIe9WEK8x 維尼
“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.”400Please respect copyright.PENANA9S6SOy5Xru
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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.”400Please respect copyright.PENANAViyx7wWmp5
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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.8964 copyright protection396PENANA1BcEaQllGW 維尼
Plus, it wasn’t myself I was so worried about.8964 copyright protection396PENANAa9EPsbCfta 維尼
“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.8964 copyright protection396PENANAFs7biPL2wq 維尼
Evvie blinked, knowing how clingy my brother was. “I’m sure he’ll be fine, Ez.”400Please respect copyright.PENANADGluGloSln
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“And what if he isn’t?”400Please respect copyright.PENANAyy2WZBuxXs
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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.”8964 copyright protection396PENANAHlZYKtz17v 維尼
Because Emmanuel hasn’t been showing interest in anyone yet. 8964 copyright protection396PENANAdj9zialiAz 維尼
I shrugged because it didn’t even seem to matter anymore. “Yeah, I guess so,” I muttered. “Are you really going to EastLand?”400Please respect copyright.PENANAAeRIjjKa5q
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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.”8964 copyright protection396PENANAoeNMs07Yxq 維尼
“I thought you hated your mom,” I said. 8964 copyright protection396PENANAlKTwthM3lD 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection396PENANAxFlvJhmGtO 維尼
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