~~MJ~~
I checked my phone again. Zero messages. Damn it. I was hoping not to have to take the bus home again, not after last time, but it's looking like my only option. I've texted basically everyone who would ever give me a ride, and so far, I've got no answers. Fuck.
I sigh and walk into a coffee shop. I'd usually walk home alone, but some creep has been following me, and I' not about to risk that.
The bell on the door jingles, and I look up. A very disheveled Peter walks in, and I duck my head down. No way in hell am I going to face that right now.
He sits down at the table in front of me, fidgeting and looking around like he's waiting for someone. It's been at least ten minutes since he sat down when the door opens again. He looks up, his face alight like a kid waking up to presents on Christmas morning.
A girl in slightly ragged clothing walks in, looking like she hasn't slept in weeks. She rubs her eyes before sitting down across from Parker.
"So," She says, shooting a sad smile in his direction.
"So," he repeats.
"You said you needed… Help? With something?"
He glances around the small space, and I pretend to be a regular teen who's obsessed with her phone. "Yeah. I… I, um…"
She takes in his appearance, then looks my way. I get the feeling she knows exactly what I'm doing, a theory that is confirmed when she says, "So, I'm gonna guess that this is really important, and probably shouldn't be overheard. If that is the case, I'm going to suggest that we do not talk about it here."
He furrows his eyebrows. "Oh."
She smiles. "Besides," she says, standing up. "I've gotta get to the library."
Parker cocks his head to the side. "Why?"
She looks incredibly tired, wise, and very, very sad. "I have to meet my sister. There is no way in hell that she's sleeping outside in the cold with weirdos who…" She seems to struggle to find the words. "Who… like to hurt things."
I can picture Peter's reaction; complete horror, along with an aftershock of pain for this homeless girl's way of life.
"You and your sister can sleep at my place," he offers, and I know this total nerd means it. Because that's just who he is.
She beams at him. "Nope," and she's out the door like that.
Thank you guys so, so much for reading! I'm already working on the second chapter, and hopefully it'll be out soon.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters other than Avery and Alex Quinn.
-Lover of everything books