Page 40

FORTY

FARRON

NO BOYS ALLOWED

Age 12

Holden snatches my teddy bear and bolts, his mischievous grin infuriating me. “Holden, give it back!” I shout, my voice rising in frustration. He doesn’t even glance back, sprinting out of the house. I’m right behind him, but then he hurls Teddy to Todd, who catches it with a smug laugh. I lunge for Todd, but he’s faster, tossing it to Jay. Just like that, I’m stuck in their stupid game of monkey in the middle. Their laughter rings out around me, but I’m not amused.

I was cleaning my room, finally caving after Mom nagged me for what felt like the three-hundredth time today. That’s when I found Teddy. He was buried in the back of my closet, hidden beneath old clothes and forgotten treasures. Seeing him brought back a flood of memories. I used to take him everywhere with me back when I was a little kid. But now I’m twelve—too old for things like that. Or at least, that’s what I’ve been telling myself.

Holden doesn’t get it. He walked into my room without knocking, like he always does, and the moment he saw Teddy sitting on my bed, he saw an opportunity to torment me. That’s just what brothers do, I guess. Especially Holden. He’s my twin and my best friend, but sometimes I really don’t understand boys. They always take what isn’t theirs, acting like they have every right to it just because they can.

“Farron, step aside. I’ll get it.” I whip my head around to see Trevor standing at the edge of the circle, looking determined. He’s younger than the rest of us, only ten, but he’s already trying to act like some superhero from the movies. I used to like playing with Trevor when we were kids, but now, he tries too hard to swoop in and save the day. I’ve never been into superheroes. They’re always boys saving girls who can’t save themselves. Gross.

Why can’t the girl ever be the hero?

Trevor’s gaze is fixed on the others like he’s about to charge in and rescue me. “It’s fine, I’ll get it,” I say firmly. Before he can respond, I fake left and dive straight for Todd. My tackle catches him off guard, and we hit the ground hard. The breath whooshes out of him, his gasp loud in my ear. Good. He deserves it.

“Nice try, boys,” I say, brushing dirt off my hands as I stand. I round on Holden, fixing him with a glare. “And you. Stay out of my room.”

Holden meets my glare, smirking like he always does when he knows he’s pushed me too far. But there’s a flicker of something softer in his eyes, a hint of the twin who’s always had my back, even when he’s being a pain. I clutch Teddy tightly, smoothing his fur and holding him close. For now, he’s back where he belongs, and that’s all that matters.

As I turn to leave, their voices follow me. “Ronnie, come back and play!” Holden’s shout cuts through the chaos.

I ignore them, stepping onto the porch and heading inside. Moving quickly, I slip past the kitchen where Mom is busy, hoping to avoid her questions. Up the stairs and into my room, I close the door behind me with a quiet click. I cross the room and set Teddy gently on my bed but then hesitate. Should I hide him again? Bury him in the back of my closet like before? No, I decide firmly. This is my room, a no-boy zone. They’ll think twice about messing with me now. A small smile creeps across my face as I think about tackling Todd. That part was definitely fun.

The sound of the door opening snaps me out of my thoughts. I sigh, assuming it’s Mom. “Mom, I want to be—” The words catch in my throat when I see Trevor standing in the doorway, looking shy.

“Trevor? What are you doing here? Boys aren’t allowed in here,” I say, narrowing my eyes at him. It’s not my rule; it’s mom’s—one she made clear a long time ago. Technically, Holden gets a pass because he’s my twin, but after today, I’m ready to enforce it on him, too. No more stolen stuff.

Trevor fidgets, staring at the floor like he’s working up the courage to say something important. I cross my arms, waiting. “I just wanted to see if you wanted to play,” he mumbles, barely looking at me.

“Not now, Trevor. Maybe later. You have to go. You’re not allowed in here,” I repeat, hoping he’ll get the hint this time. But Trevor doesn’t move. He just stands there, shifting awkwardly.

Before I can say anything else, footsteps approach. Mom appears in the doorway, her expression softening when she sees Trevor. “Oh, Trevor, what are you doing here?”

“He was leaving,” I say quickly, cutting him off before he can charm his way into staying. After the dumb game of monkey in the middle that I never even wanted to play, I just want to be alone.

Mom gives Trevor a gentle smile. “Trevor, honey, you should head home. I’m sure your grandma is looking for you.”

Trevor hesitates, casting one last look my way before shuffling off. I scrunch my brows, confused at why he keeps looking at me like that. With a sigh, I collapse onto my bed. I feel the mattress dip as Mom sits down beside me, brushing a few curls out of my face. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?” she asks softly. I look into her green eyes, so much like mine, before trailing over her dark hair. I always thought she was beautiful.

I sit up, fiddling with my hands. “Boys… I don’t understand them.”

Mom chuckles, her laugh light. “Oh, Ronnie, things are changing. Boys might seem strange now, but one day, you might feel different.”

“I don’t think so,” I mutter, shaking my head. “They’re confusing. Todd and Jay tease me but still want to play like nothing happened. And Trevor… he’s acting like Pa sometimes. You know how no one messes with him?” I glance at her, knowing she’ll understand. Pa looks out for what’s his, but Trevor’s acting like I’m… his. And I don’t like it.

Mom’s smile is knowing. “I see what you mean. Trevor’s growing up. I think he has a little crush on you. One day, you might return that feeling. Or maybe not. But eventually, you’ll find someone kind who’ll take care of you.”

Her words make it sound like my future is already decided, but I don’t want someone to take care of me. I can take care of myself. I proved that today. Watching Mom, I realize she’s talking about herself. Dad looks after her and us, and she keeps the house running. It works for them, but it’s not what I want. I want to help animals one day and see the world. Rolling Hills is all I’ve ever known, but I know there’s more out there. Ma and Pa tell me stories about their adventures, promising to take me with them someday. That’s what excites me. I don’t want to stay here forever.