- 10.
I looked up, tears in my eyes. Cody was
standing there with a steel pipe. He came
over and pulled me into his arms.
I pointed at Mark on the ground. “Is he…is he
dead?”
<
Cody smiled and tapped my head. “I have
standards, you worry too much, ok?”
I laughed. Then, before I knew it, Cody picked
me up and carried me back to his car.
“I’ll take care of Mark. What we need to deal
with is us.
وو
I stared at his gorgeous face, only inches
away. My heart started racing.
“Deal with…what?”
“Why are you avoiding me, hum?”
I bit my lip, flustered. “I’m not! Just…just…”
Seeing how nervous I was, he smiled and
touched my head. “Silly.”
Г
Mark got a few years for assault. I felt
relieved.
Cody and I started talking all the time. I felt
like I was learning to talk for the first time.
Valentine’s Day rolled around. Cody asked me
out to dinner, and Taylor teased me.
“So, you’re still not into him? This is the first
time my brother has asked anyone out! If my
parents find out, they’ll fly here to meet you.”
I blushed and pushed her away. “We’re
just…friends.”
“Friends who are celebrating Valentine’s
Day?”
L
Then, Taylor picked out a backless dress for
- me. It barely covered anything. “You want me.
to freeze?”
Taylor rolled her eyes. “I need to know if my
brother likes guys or girls. He’s been
obsessed with you. Please just help me.”
I gave in. And, I want to know too.
When I put on the dress, Taylor gasped. “I
swear, if you two don’t hook up tonight, my
brother’s not a man.”
I tried to look mad, but I kept checking myself
out in the mirror.
I had to focus on myself first.
People said I looked younger and happier. It
く
was nice not having anyone to worry about.
