T.J. Klune - Bear, Otter, and the Kid 2 - Who We Are by TK Klune

Author:TK Klune [Klune, TK]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

WE’RE pulling out of the parking lot and getting reading to head next door,

and I’m trying to think about what I want to say, if anything, to Dominic, when he decides for me: “I’m not going to hurt him.” “What?” I say, unable to keep the surprise out of my voice. Otter reaches over and takes my hand in his, his fingers intertwining in mine, squeezing gently. He nods subtly at me, and I turn back to look at Dominic, whose dark eyes are waiting for me.

“That’s what you’re thinking,” he rumbles. “You’re wondering if I’m going to hurt him.” “That’s not—” I start, but then I stop myself. Anything further would be a lie. He knows it, I know it. He’s probably expecting it. How many people would lie to his face? How many would tell him that of course they don’t believe that, that of course they trust him, how could they not? Those same people are the ones that are probably the most afraid of him. I need him to know I’m not afraid of him. “Can you be sure?” I ask, changing tact.

He looks momentarily surprised at my boldness, but quickly covers it up under that hard exterior of his. He looks out the window while we wait for the light to change. It’s starting to rain a light mist. Otter flips on the windshield wipers, and they brush back and forth.

“Yes,” Dominic finally says. “I would never hurt him. Although, I could see why you’d think so. Georgia told you what happened?”

“She did,” Otter confirms, his voice stern. “But I would have recognized your name, so don’t be mad at her.”

He shakes his head. “I’m not mad at her. She was right to tell you.” Another thought takes over my mind. “You haven’t told Tyson, have you?” “No,” he says roughly. “He doesn’t need to hear about that. He’s just a little guy, you know?”

I nod because I do know. I nod because I think the same thing. I nod because I feel a guilty relief that Dominic has not shared his darkness with my little brother, and it’s the only thing I can do without actually saying those hurtful words out loud.

Suddenly, Dominic looks panicked. “You aren’t going to take him away, are you?” he asks in a croak, his voice louder than I’ve ever heard it. “You aren’t going to tell him he can’t see me?” His looks down at his hands, playing with a hole on the thigh of his jeans. He bounces a leg up and down, his hair falling into his face.

“No,” Otter says, “but we are going to want to get to know you, Dominic. I’m sure Ty’s told you at least part of what’s going on, what with custody petitions and all, and we can’t take any chances. With anything. I like you, I really do, but Ty’s the most important thing here. He comes first. Always.”

Dominic nods as we pull into the parking lot of the high school, the rain falling harder now.

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