Page 29 of Brick

It wasn’t until he scrutinized at Izzy’s picture, he finally relaxed his tensed features. “She looks so much like you.”

She grinned. “Except for the black eye and all, sure.”

He handed her phone back. “I’m glad it wasn’t something else.”

“Thanks. I appreciate you trying to look out for me, but it’s my job to look out for you. Humor your teacher for a second while I’ve got you here. Have you given any thought to the ACT prep classes we talked about? You still have a few days to sign up for the summer session.”

Devon’s pursed lips gave her all the answer she needed.

“What can it hurt, Devon? I’ll bet you can get a scholarship to a place close-by. You could stay home with your family if you’re worried about leaving them.”

He drew figure-eights on the top of the desk with his finger, staring intently at the wood littered with names and graffiti carved into the surface. “You don’t understand. I’m gonna have to start working soon. I’m not going to have a choice.”

“But you—”

“The answer is no.” He looked up to face her. “It means a lot to me you want to help, but you can’t. It only hurts more when you make me think about things I can’t have. If you really want to do something for me, you’ll stop bringing this up.”

Tears prickled her eyes as Devon got up and walked toward the door.

“Thanks for believing in me, though.” He didn’t turn around. “I won’t forget it.”

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