what lies there.
This is horrible. It doesn't make any sense. My heart pounds, choking me. I want to shove everything into the garbage, or take it outside and burn it. It feels filthy, here on the clean counter.
Could it be from Jake or his father? Or even Jake's fiancé? But I was with Kellan when he saw them. I believe what I saw: those people have forgiven him too. Jake's truly happy. Bria never knew Jake before the wheelchair; she has nothing to hold against Kellan. Jake's father Bill was genuinely glad to see Kellan.
Someone else? Some self-appointed harbinger of justice? Near the bottom I find a single sheet of paper with a huge font spelling out not everyone forgives.
There wasn't anyone else involved in the accident. Could it be someone random who saw the special?
Did I do this to Kellan by broadcasting his story?
I start to shove the box away, then flail, panicking, as Kellan's voice from behind me says, "That's none of your business, Willow."
I turn around and look at him, trying to stay strong. There's no reason I shouldn't look at something delivered to the house where I live, especially something not labeled.
"What is this, Kellan?" My voice doesn't shake, but my insides do.
His face darkens. He looks angry and, for the first time since I've known him, a little scary. "It's mine. Something delivered to me. Haven't I said that enough times?"
A flicker of anger stirs. "Kellan, look, this is – "
"None of your business," he repeats, and since I don't move, he reaches past me and pulls the box across the counter to him. "Just because we've slept together doesn't mean you can invade my privacy."
What do I address first? That I was here, alone, when someone threw whatever this is at the door? That I've only ever slept with one other guy, that the high school football team quarterback one night when I was grieving for my father? I hardly make a point of sleeping around. Which means I care about him. Which means –
"Kellan, let me help." Remembering the morning I woke on Reed's couch after I'd passed out at the bonfire the night before. The way he'd taken care of me, whether I thought I needed it or not. "If someone is trying to hurt you, I can – "
He holds up a hand. He doesn't shout. Somehow the ice in his voice is worse. "Back off, Willow."
He takes the package and leaves the kitchen, leaving me standing there. Alone.
Chapter 9
Reed shows up before the pizza does. The guy has never heard of texting. Or even calling. He just shows up. Not that it's not nice to see him.
The doorbell rings and I think it's the food I no longer want. Maybe Kellan will come downstairs and eat with me. Even if we don't talk about whatever's going on, maybe we can make up.
I open the door without looking out. It's still light out, early evening, and Kellan's upstairs. Even if he's angry, he won't let anyone hurt me.
"Let me just grab my wallet," I say as I swing the door open.
"OK, but I only take large bills," Reed says.
I'm shocked into laughing. "What are you doing here?"
"Heard someone broke into the communications building last night. And that you were there."
I open the door wider, not sure if I want to join him on the porch or invite him in. It's really hot outside, so I
This is horrible. It doesn't make any sense. My heart pounds, choking me. I want to shove everything into the garbage, or take it outside and burn it. It feels filthy, here on the clean counter.
Could it be from Jake or his father? Or even Jake's fiancé? But I was with Kellan when he saw them. I believe what I saw: those people have forgiven him too. Jake's truly happy. Bria never knew Jake before the wheelchair; she has nothing to hold against Kellan. Jake's father Bill was genuinely glad to see Kellan.
Someone else? Some self-appointed harbinger of justice? Near the bottom I find a single sheet of paper with a huge font spelling out not everyone forgives.
There wasn't anyone else involved in the accident. Could it be someone random who saw the special?
Did I do this to Kellan by broadcasting his story?
I start to shove the box away, then flail, panicking, as Kellan's voice from behind me says, "That's none of your business, Willow."
I turn around and look at him, trying to stay strong. There's no reason I shouldn't look at something delivered to the house where I live, especially something not labeled.
"What is this, Kellan?" My voice doesn't shake, but my insides do.
His face darkens. He looks angry and, for the first time since I've known him, a little scary. "It's mine. Something delivered to me. Haven't I said that enough times?"
A flicker of anger stirs. "Kellan, look, this is – "
"None of your business," he repeats, and since I don't move, he reaches past me and pulls the box across the counter to him. "Just because we've slept together doesn't mean you can invade my privacy."
What do I address first? That I was here, alone, when someone threw whatever this is at the door? That I've only ever slept with one other guy, that the high school football team quarterback one night when I was grieving for my father? I hardly make a point of sleeping around. Which means I care about him. Which means –
"Kellan, let me help." Remembering the morning I woke on Reed's couch after I'd passed out at the bonfire the night before. The way he'd taken care of me, whether I thought I needed it or not. "If someone is trying to hurt you, I can – "
He holds up a hand. He doesn't shout. Somehow the ice in his voice is worse. "Back off, Willow."
He takes the package and leaves the kitchen, leaving me standing there. Alone.
Chapter 9
Reed shows up before the pizza does. The guy has never heard of texting. Or even calling. He just shows up. Not that it's not nice to see him.
The doorbell rings and I think it's the food I no longer want. Maybe Kellan will come downstairs and eat with me. Even if we don't talk about whatever's going on, maybe we can make up.
I open the door without looking out. It's still light out, early evening, and Kellan's upstairs. Even if he's angry, he won't let anyone hurt me.
"Let me just grab my wallet," I say as I swing the door open.
"OK, but I only take large bills," Reed says.
I'm shocked into laughing. "What are you doing here?"
"Heard someone broke into the communications building last night. And that you were there."
I open the door wider, not sure if I want to join him on the porch or invite him in. It's really hot outside, so I
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