Wide Awake by Shelly Crane

Author:Shelly Crane
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2013-03-22T23:00:00+00:00

Useless Fact Number Twelve

The right lung takes in more air than the left.

I had somehow managed to skip school again that day, but I knew it would be my last offense without consequences. I texted Mason and said I was coming, but was still surprised when I reached the end of the gate. He was there, grinning and opening the door for me. I laughed as I got in. I winced as I plopped down and rubbed my hip. He wasn't lying about it being sore.

When we got to his house, I went in and said hello to his mom. I watched in sympathy as he once again explained to her why he looked different, and why she couldn't remember. We spoke a little, mostly about The Price is Right, and when I said my goodbyes, she once again called me Mariah.

"That's so weird why she calls you that. We don't even know anyone named Mariah," he said, and opened the door to the shop for me. When we came inside, there was a man inside, sitting in the chair.

"Mason! What up, man?"

"Rob?" Mason put his hand around my waist and moved me to sit on the stool. "What are you doing? Long time, no see."

"I came to get fresh ink," he said slowly and eyed me closely, "but I can see…that you're busy."

"A little bit, yeah," Mason said with a smirk.

"Well, I won't keep you." He stood, but gave Mason a look. "But…"

"Oh, no," Mason groaned. "Milo? What happened?"

"His boys are doing a rager tonight. Thought you should know."

Mason cursed and punched his fist into the counter top. "All right. Thanks, man."

"Later."

He left and I sat wondering what was going on. "Mason?"

"It's my brother Milo," he explained through a sigh. "They organize these parties and get busted. I've bailed him out twice already. One more strike and he's going to juvi."

"Oh…sorry."

"I just don’t know what to do anymore." He plopped down on the couch. "He doesn't even want my help, but I can't just…abandon him. He left because of me, because he blamed me."

I replied slowly, "Mason, you can't take responsibility for his actions and choices."

"But he said he blamed me."

"But you're not making the decision for him to throw a party for a bunch of underage kids, Mason."

He huffed. "I know, but I can't give up on him."

"So let's go get him."

He jerked his gaze to mine. "What?"

"Do you know where he is?" He nodded. "Let's go get him. Come on." I held my hand out to him. He took it slowly and stood up in front of me.

"Let's change your bandage first." His voice had suddenly gone husky. He moved toward me, never taking his eyes off mine, and tilted my chin up to meet his mouth. I felt myself sway toward him, but he held me firmly. Too soon, he released me and told me to turn around. I did as he asked and he pulled my jeans down just enough to replace the bandage.

His hands were gentle and he pulled the tape off slowly and easily.

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