Page 18

- Chapter 7 -

Laiken

Dominic manages toteach me plenty before he leaves. I learn what a bank is, and that the Bradleys own one of the most influential banking companies in the country. I learn what computers are, too, though his attempts to explain the Internet goes nowhere. He tries to show me directly, until Emma catches us with a laptop under his blanket in his bedroom. I don't know what she thinks we were doing, but she's furious.

The staff watches us closely after that,

not that it matters.

The morning before he turns thirteen, his bags are stacked by the front door. I know it's time for him to go. I've been counting the minutes, but it's surreal anyway. Men pack his suitcases into a black car waiting outside.

Annie observes from a distance, one arm over her stomach, the other perched on the frames of her sunglasses. She looks like a giant fly with those shiny things on her face, a big, scowling bug.

I'm pressed against the white siding, unsure what to do. I think Annie's staring at me. I really can't tell.Where is he?The sound of heavy footsteps catches my attention. Dominic rushes out the front door, staring around frantically. His eyes find me. Only then does his panic fade. “I thought you wouldn't say goodbye,” he says, coming closer.

I'm stiff all over from trying not to cry. “How could I not? I was waiting inside, but I didn't see you.”

“I was talking with my dad.” He's right in front of me now. Over his shoulder, men keep loading bags. Annie's jaw turns imperceptibly. Yes, she's definitely watching us.

We stand there, two awkward people, both unable to explain how much this hurts. I didn't know it was possible to grow so close to someone so fast. But I have. The way my heart chokes is living proof.

He breaks first, grabbing me in a hug. My arms circle him, squeezing, and I have a childish idea that we're locked together. No one can pull us apart no matter how hard they try. I love that thought.

“Dominic,” Annie calls. Her voice is clean. Saying goodbye to her son isn't painful for her, not like it is for me.

Reluctantly, he pulls away. His hands squeeze my upper arms, holding me a foot away from him. It's like he's doing me a favor. He has to know I wasn't going to let him go, this is all on him. “Goodbye,” he whispers, his voice thick.

My mouth trembles. “Goodbye, Dominic. I'll see you again someday.”

Hope and guilt and fear ripple in his chocolate eyes. He spins away, moving without grace, as if his limbs are made from cement. He goes to stand in front of his mother. I think about how I clung to my parents when I left my home. How they crushed me in return.

Annie gives his shoulder a single pat. “Good luck,” she says.

His head bobs down, and it stays there. A man opens the rear door of the car and Dominic climbs in. I stay there by the house, watching as the boy I adore winds his way from my life.

The gigantic gates spread open as his car approaches.

I don't cry until he's gone.

****

I'M SITTING IN THEgrass near the animal preserve, observing from a distance. I really want to climb the fence. I think if I do, I can get inside. I can explore the trees and get close to the deer. I'll also stop thinking about HIM so much.

Dominic is consuming me.

Footsteps approach. Turning, I see Annie and Silas together.

“Laiken,” he says. I jump to my feet. “Come with us.”