Page 55 of I Don't Need Your Protection

He throws his backpack over his shoulder. “Nice. Later, Nelson.”

I wave. “Bye, Warner.”

I stare after him as he leaves the building, then fall down on my chair with a happy sigh. I spend about five minutes thinking about him, smiling at all the times he complimented me. But the memories fly out the window when I spot Caleb sitting a few tables down, reading a magazine. Wow. I kind of forgot about him. He looks so lonely sitting there.

“Woohoo! I’ve struck gold.” Sophie emerges from the back rows with like thirty books. It looks like she’s seconds away from dropping them all.

Launching out of my seat, I rush to help her, grabbing hold of half the books.

“Thanks,” she says with a huff. “I think I need to work out more.”

“This is impressive even for you,” I say.

Her eyes shine. “I know, right? I have no idea where all these books were hiding. It’s like my birthday today.”

I help carry her books to her room, memories of my time with Warner playing in my head over and over.

But I also can’t forget the image of Caleb sitting all alone at his table.

Chapter Seventeen

Addie

My friends and I are eating breakfast in the dining hall the next day. Caleb is a few tables down, picking at his food while glancing around. Oddly, we didn’t argue this morning. I’m getting used to being woken up by his trumpet, even if it still ticks me off. He didn’t have to demand I get ready for school like he did the previous days. And after he left to his room to dress into his uniform, taking precisely three minutes, he followed me and my friends to the dining hall.

My friends are chatting about different events that will take place this week. Tests and such, a football game on Friday, where our team is expected to win, and Parents’ Day on Sunday.

“Wait, what’s Parents’ Day?” I ask.

“When the parents come and hang out with their kids for a day,” Raven informs me. “Some students look forward to itwhile others don’t. I can’t wait to see my mom, dad, and little sister.”

Parent’s Day? But what about me? I don’t have any parents, and there’s a high chance my grandfather won’t come. No one is allowed to know who I am.

I guess no family will be visiting me.

“My parents and brother are coming,” Carly says. “Can’t wait to see my parents, but my brother?” She twists her nose. “Bleh.”

“What’s wrong with your brother?” I ask.

“Nothing. He just gets on my nerves sometimes. Fine, all the time. He’s a year older and goes to the local high school back home. He used to break my dolls’ heads off their bodies when we were younger.”

“You’re lucky you have a sibling,” I tell her. “I’m an only child.”

Sophie holds up her hand. “Same here.” She’s wearing a solemn expression on her face. “But it wasn’t always like that. I had an older sister and brother who died in a car accident. I was only three and barely remember them.”

I pat her arm while Carly rubs her hand and Raven her back. “What happened, if I may ask?” I say.

She pushes a brave smile on her face. “They were in high school. It was a party, I think. They weren’t drinking or anything, but their car collided with another and they flipped over. They died instantly. My brother was driving.”

“I’m really sorry,” I say.

She smiles sadly. “Thanks. I just wish I remembered themmore.”

“Do your parents talk about them?”

Her shoulders droop as she sighs. “Not a lot. I think it’s too painful for them. When I was younger, I asked many questions and they tried as best as they could to answer them all. But it got to be too much and I eventually stopped.”

“What were your siblings like?” I say.