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But taking care of a kid while still being a teenager wasn’t easy.Our aunt had custody of us—well, him—and there wasn’t much I could do except make empty promises, like paying his way to college.
It was what enticed me to go to the auction in the first place.For him.I wanted him to have the life that I didn’t get to have.I didn’t get to go to school.I didn’t get to find a good job.I wouldn’t be able to create a career for myself.
I was too busy trying to figure out what I was going to do with all the debt that was suddenly in my name.At first, they didn't try and give it to a minor, but once I turned eighteen, suddenly all these bills started showing up.
The ambulance.The life-saving medical treatment that had been given to my parents that ultimately failed.We had waited weeks for them to do everything they could.One would suddenly do better and there was hope, then the other would crash.After playing tug-of-war with their lives, the doctors that promised they would try their best stood in front of seventeen-year-old me and said there was nothing else they could do.Moments later, my aunt was handed a bill, which was then promptly handed to me.An early birthday present from her.
A massive debt that detailed every single insanely expensive treatment that did nothing but prolong my and my brother’s pain.I had read it over and over.Fought the insurance company on duplicate and inflated charges.But their grubby little fingers were trying to claw out every single cent I owned and would ever make.
I tried.I went to community college and tried to get my general education done, but after not even a semester, I realized that I was paying a lot for very little and I would have to do it for four years.
That's when it hit me that it would probably be better for me to start saving for Lucas's college fund instead of my own.Seeing that dream come true for him now was more than I could've ever imagined.
I typed back a quick message.
Me
Congrats!You and I have a date at TGIFs tomorrow!
I would officially be telling him I would pay for his college.I didn't really know how I was going to explain it yet, but I would figure something out before then.I really didn't want to tell him the truth.
I tried not to let myself feel any shame about selling myself at an auction, but it was hard.Not just because of society, but my aunt had always been pretty vocal about making sure I stayed apure woman.
Those words always cut a little bit deeper.
I did what I had to do, and I would do it again.
I forgot everything else and focused solely on Lucas and the bright future ahead of him.I couldn’t wait to see the look on his face.
Lucas
Actually, I’m staying over at a friend’s place.Can you pick me up from school Friday?
Don’t need anything fancy.A congratulatory boba will do.
Disappointment sprouted in my chest, but I was happy he was getting out with someone his own age.It’d been a while since I heard him talk about any friends.After the accident, he had kept to himself.Even more so after we were separated.
Me
You got it!
I would have to ask Lux for the time off, but I could deal with that later.I let myself sit in the warm feelings of pride that swam in my chest.I was almost giddy with it.I couldn't believe that my brother was actually going to make it, and I was going to help him get there.
I let myself have one more lingering moment before I got my stuff together.Time to turn off my sister brain and turn on the nanny brain.
Pushing myself out of the car, I rushed to the house.I had spent a little bit too long in the car and was now worried about the time.
I knocked on the door, but no one came to answer, so after a moment’s hesitation, I tried to open the door.Unlocked.Seriously?
I peered in and could hear Lux and Bella in the kitchen before I could see them.
“She’s finishing breakfast, come in,” Lux said.
“Juliette!I saved you a Mickey pancake.”
I pushed into the house with a smile on my face.When I finally turned the corner, I spotted both Lux and Bella at the island countertop.Bella had a plate of half-finished food in front of her, while Lux only had a coffee and an iPad.
Lux’s hair fell slightly into her face, missing its usual gel.Her suit had been replaced by a casual sweater and slacks that she somehow made look even sexier.