Page 13 of Echoes of Us

Before I can say anything else, an old, red pickup truck pulls up next to us. The window rolls down, revealing a boy with a gorgeous smile. He gives me a sideways grin, raising his eyebrows.

“You must be the princess,” the boy says.

“Don’t call me that,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Or what?” He leans out of the car, blowing cigarette smoke in my face. “I’ll kill you if she ends up hurt, princess.”

She gets in the car and smacks his arm. “Let’s just go, Sean. She isn’t worth it.”

Sean laughs and waves goodbye to me in the most condescending way, then the truck speeds off.

I have never hated someone more.

Chapter 13

Teagan

We’re at my favorite spot under an old bridge next to a small lake. Sean and I used to come here anytime we needed a break from our lives—Sean from his dad’s alcohol-induced beatings, and me from my mom’s heavy drug use. Sometimes, we come out here and don’t say a word for hours. We can sit and just be there for each other until one of us speaks or stands to leave.

“You doing okay, T?” Sean says after a long silence.

“Not really. I don’t know how I can live with them, Sean. They are crazy religious, and the daughter is awful,” I reply.

“You’ll get through it. The drive to and from Princeton has been so easy for me. I’ll come whenever you need me.” He leans over, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

The smells, the old bridge creaking as cars pass, the ducks and their ducklings swimming in circles—all of it brings a sense of familiarity. I take in the surroundings, feeling a mix of peace and turmoil take over me. This peace is indescribable and cannot be replicated. Still, I have a lot of resentment toward this neighborhood for the things I have suffered, but being here reminds me I’m home.

“Thanks, dork. Of course, you’re the one to get all sappy,” I tease.

He moves away, placing his hand over his chest and gawking at me. “Excuse me, ma’am. Is that a gay comment? Are you being homophobic right now?” he says in that shrilly voice he uses to get under my skin.

“Can a lesbian be a homophobe?” I reply.

Before he can say something witty back, my phone vibrates and a text from Mr. Briggs flashes across the lock screen.

Mr. Briggs 11:02 AM

Teagan, you better be home when we get back from church. This is completely unacceptable. We will discuss it later.

Yeah. I am going to leave that on read.

Sean leans over and reads the text, “Oh man. Looks like you’re in trouble and it’s been less than twenty-four hours. A record for you?” He smirks.

“Shut up,” I nudge him and laugh. “I guess we better go before they change their minds and I’m stuck in some group home with a bunch of nuns or something.”

“That is going to happen if they find out you’re gay. Might as well get it over with,” Sean taunts. I can’t even laugh at that because it scares me how true it likely is.

Sean drives the long way so we can listen to music and finish our joint. The dread starts to fall over me as we begin to see a change in the exterior of the passing buildings. One minute, it is the familiar general stores with chipped paint and older houses with the owners hanging out on their porches. The next thing I know, it is two-story houses with large hydrangea bushes across the front windows and kids playing soccer in the front lawn.

Sean pulls his truck into the driveway and leans toward the windshield letting out a low whistle. “Damn, T. You live here now?” He looks over at me and winks, “Where’s my invite?”

“Yeah right. You wouldn’t last two days living here. Plus, if they meet you, I am so gone.” I wiggle my eyebrows to tease him.

“See! I knew you were being homophobic. Get out you horrible person,” he says, jokingly pushing me toward the car door.

We both look up to see Mrs. Briggs looking out of the front window and waving me in.

“Wish me luck, dork.”

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