51-In The Backseat Of My Car

Norman:

"Why can't we admit her? She's in bad shape," Maximus's voice was raised, though not at me. His anger stemmed from sheer frustration as he paced around his car, the door to the backseat left open to reveal the wounded Helanie. The sight of her was truly devastating, one must have felt bad for her. But not me.

I didn't feel deeply affected. My reaction was a learned behavior. I just knew I had to feel bad for her and that's what I was trying to do.

"Do you want our academy to be in the news? We've worked tirelessly to reach the level of success we have today. I'm not risking it for anyone—especially for her," I said, gesturing toward her. I tried. But I just couldn't act like I would give up everything for the sake of someone like her.

Ever since she had stepped into our lives, she had been trying to get our attention. And my naive brothers were drawn to her innocence.