Page 5 of My Best Years

I spend the rest of the day trying to numb the dull ache in the pit of my chest. I avoid the front porch because I can’t stand seeing another yellow bus drive by. At least not today.

THREE

Callum

Ten Years Old

I can’t contain the wide grin stretching across my face as I walk to the bus stop for the first day of fifth grade.

I get to see Birdie today. She’s my best friend.

We see each other almost every day during the school year, but I don’t get to hang out with her much during the summer. My father doesn't like to let me out of the house unless it’s for school.

He doesn't want people to see what he does to me.

My mother is the only one who knows. But I think she’s afraid ofhimtoo, maybe even more than me. I can’t wait until I’m big and strong one day. Then, I’ll protect us both.

He made me wear a long-sleeved shirt and jeans this morning. It’s ninety degrees outside.

I know I’ll get weird looks and questions, because I always do. I lie and say that I get cold in class. I lie because I’m afraid he might kill me if I don’t.

As the bus screeches to a halt in front of me, my body bounces up and down. I’ve never been more excited for the first day of school.

My cheeks hurt from smiling as I hop onto the bus and make my way to the back. My face falls when I see a little girl sitting next to Birdie…inmyspot.

The girl has the same blonde hair as Birdie, except her eyes are green. Birdie has gray eyes that sometimes look silver. Aside from their eyes, they look just alike. I wonder if the girl is Winnie, Birdie’s little sister, who she always talks about. I’ve never met Winnie, but Birdie says she’s her other best friend.

Sometimes, the thought of Birdie having another best friend makes me jealous. But I guess it’s okay if that person is her sister.

“Callum!”Birdie beams, waving me over to her seat. She’s smiling just as big as me, her dimples showing through her full grin.

“Scoot over, Winnie,” she says to the girl. “Make room for Cal.”

Winnie nods and slides over until her shoulder presses against the window. Birdie moves to the middle.

“Come on, Cal,” Birdie insists, patting the open space beside her.

I grin as I remove my backpack and sit down next to her.

Man, I missed her.

Life has been really crappy for me lately. But Birdie makes everything better.

“Winnie, this is Callum,” Birdie tells the girl on her left.

“And Callum, this is Winnie,” she shifts her gaze to me. “She’s my little sister. Today is her first day of kindergarten.”

Birdie smiles down at her like a proud older sibling.

“Hi!” Winnie booms loudly for such a tiny human.

She doesn't seem nervous at all for her first day ofschool.

“Hi, Winnie,” I greet her. “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from Birdie.”

“Me too!” she exclaims in a squeaky voice. “My sister thinks you’re cute.Yuck!”

Birdie gasps as her cheeks turn red.

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