Chapter 71
“I wasn’t a troublemaker.” Tom Alan’s expression softened with his stance. “Beyond protecting what’s ours, I don’t even know why I care.”
“Because that’s how you are. Your anger isn’t hiding what you’re feeling deep down. You were lost at that age, too—cutting yourself…”
“Okay. I get it.”
“You like him.”
“I do, Kiki. I tried.”
“Maybe try again. Let’s get inside before Mrs. Mischen gets here and decides to give us detention.”
“No way am I staying late tonight.” Tom Alan’s phone rang. “I don’t know how he’s sending these while working, but another hour down.”
* * * *
Etsuko ended up in Tom Alan’s arms the moment she arrived with Billy at lunchtime. They were all going to Skype with Kyoko in Japan a bit later.
“Dada.”
Everyone froze.