Together, Apart by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2020-10-20T00:00:00+00:00

Mission two: get the lights up.

Mission three: act cool around Archer.

Not in order.

I look up as I’m about to turn and my mouth parts.

Written on his chalkboard is one word: Ace.

Wel , I’m not going to be able to focus on other things I need to do now, am I?

The rest of the day drags, obviously. We get set up, prep the food, and then I swim in our pool. I read my old ratty copy of Twilight because I need the solidarity Bel a offers with her instant Edward obsession.

By 5:58, I’m losing my mind and clock watching.

Mom and Dad are highly amused, teasing me about Archer, but mostly they’re happy that I “have my spark back.”

Why the hel does he cal me Ace?

“I think we can go out now, Quinn,” Dad says, waggling his eyebrows. “I can’t wait to spend time with our new neighbors.”

My eyes widen. “Do not say anything!”

Laughing, he pretends to zip his mouth and heads out the front door.

He better mean that.

I help Mom take food out and flick the twinkle lights on as we go.

Everyone is outside. Lights flicker up and down the street and the Ebson brothers strum the first chord on the makeshift stage they’ve set up. Music drifts through the street. The evening is warm, and the scent of barbecuing food fil s the air. I take a breath and smile.

Mom walks up to the edge of our property to speak to Juliet. Archer is standing with a drink, red Solo cup to his mouth, eyes pinned on me.

My steps almost falter but I manage to make myself walk to the edge of our grass. I’m far enough away from Mom and Juliet that they won’t be eavesdropping. Archer meets me, stopping about ten feet away. Beside us is our tree.

He has this gravitational pul and it takes real effort to not walk closer.

“People have gone al out,” he says.

“Awesome, isn’t it. This is what it’s like al the time. Best street in the world.”

His smile is sarcastic as if he’s trying to disagree.

Neighbors stop by like we have been given shifts, everyone saying hel o while keeping a safe distance back. Food is dropped in little brown parcels, some with a smal hand sanitizer taped to the side.

We watch the Ebsons play. Their sign has two drawings of guitars and reads: Rock off, COVID. I’ve read a couple others that I can see from here.

Apocalyptic party 2020. United We Stand. You’re al my heroes.

Archer’s is my favorite. Ace. I’m desperate to know.

The sun is setting, making the twinkle lights grow brighter. I’m sitting on a picnic blanket on the ground. Archer is doing the same from his yard.

“See how awesome it is here,” I say, soaking in the atmosphere. “And you get to see me every day.”

He pretends to look horrified as he takes a bite of a Hershey bar that Mr.

Cotton dropped off like a peace offering. I guess he’s decided they’re okay now. I’m sure he’l have a new conspiracy soon about something else.

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