Page 11 of Primal God

His gaze snaps to mine. “What?”

“The report didn’t say that? I’m not shocked. I hid it pretty well.”

And I did. I showered at school. At night, I slept in the overgrown field behind the school in a tent. In winter, I stayed at shelters, having to take a city bus nearly an hour each way to get to school on time. I did what I had to, ensuring I graduated with honors and that I could get into college on a scholarship. And I haven’t looked back since, even though the struggle is still just as difficult. It’s why I work two jobs. It’s why I live in the dorms. And it’s why I don’t feel bad taking leftovers when Mrs. Santos insists.

“Did João know?”

I blink, coming out of my thoughts.

“No.”

“You should have said something.”

“No offense, but you already thought little of me. I can only imagine what your solution would have been.”

It was the same fear I had while I was on the streets. Someone was going to find out about my situation and try to help, but in reality, would only make it worse.

Dr. Santos says, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. Like I said, I get it. I was the dirty toy that might tarnish João.”

“I shouldn’t have assumed.” His hand covers mine. “I’m truly sorry.”

My skin tingles from the contact.

Pulling my hand away, I say, “Don’t worry about it.”

We ride in silence until we’re almost to the campus.

He says, “I hope you know that you can come to me if you ever need help. It won’t be a problem to let you borrow money.”

Hurt spears me right through the heart.

That’s what it always boils down to with people like this. Money. I shift away from him, leaning against the door as I look out the window. People like Dr. Santos throw money around like it’s the cure-all when, in reality, there are things that are more important. Like love.

I remain silent until we get to the campus.

“Thanks for the ride, Dr. Santos,” I say as I get out of the car. “Have a good night.”

I waste no time hurrying into the building. I’m so dang proud of myself because I don’t look back. Not once. Even though I desperately want to.

Inside my room, I see my roommate is already asleep, so I grab my laptop and head to the common area on the first floor where I can study. But it’s hard to focus.

Tonight was a whirlwind of emotions, but one thing is clear.

I have to break up with João.

3

Dimitri

The house is silent by the time I get home Friday night. My feet ache from standing for hours during my surgery cases today. I snort softly as I toss my keys in the bowl by the front door and kick off my work shoes. There was a time when I thought I was invincible. When I could work for hours without feeling pain. Now I wonder if it’s time to slow down.

Serafina is in the kitchen, loading the dishwasher. Her hair is piled high on her head in a messy bun, which means she had another bad day. I brush a kiss against her cheek before going to the fridge.

“How was your day?”

She spins toward me, slamming her hand on the island countertop.

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