Page 63 of Race to Me

“And that’s her own damn fault!” I shout.

He shakes his head, cutting his eyes to her, and she retreats from his doorway to give us privacy.

“If she’s living here, then I’m gone!” I threaten, seething with fury from what she’s done to not only me but my best friend.

Foster looks away, his sharp jaw tensing. “Look, Sky. She’s broken like us. She’s one of us, and you’re one of us now too. I can’t just leave her on the street.”

“Who will it be?” I ask, tapping my foot impatiently on the floor.

He shakes his head, “Don’t make me choose.” he pleads.

“It shouldn’t be a choice, Foster. She’s been awful to me, and Kate!” I cry, trying not to sound like an immature child, but it’s unbearable to be in the same house with her. I turn my phone to face him, showing him exactly why she’s not in her dorm anymore.

“Look,” Foster says, taking my hand. “I know you don’t get it, but she has nowhere to go.”

“You don’t think I fucking get that, Foster?”

“That’s not what I mean.” He slides a hand across his face in frustration, “She’s a foster kid. No family, nothing. She’s at school on a scholarship. She has to stay, but please don’t go.”

“So, she’s staying here?” I ask again, ignoring the other things he said. I can’t see past my anger for her right now. Not with what she did to Kate tonight.

“Yes,” Foster replies, his shoulders slumping.

I hand him my phone, not wanting it anymore. “Then I’m out.”

Twenty-four

Aknock sounds on the door, and I groan from the pestering noise. When I peel my eyes open, I feel something stuck on my forehead.

It’s a post-it note from Kate.

‘Hey roomie. Didn’t want to wake you up too early. Love you.’

I laugh a little at her sticking it on my face. Another knock sounds. “What?” I shout, my throat dry. What time is it?

“Sky?” Foster’s voice travels from the other side of the door.

Shit. I don’t respond.

“Sky, please open the door,” he begs. When I don’t reply, he curses under his breath. “I’ll kick it off the hinges.” he threatens, but I hear the soft thud of his forehead hitting the wood in defeat.

A long beat of silence passes between us. Then, he slides something underneath the gap of the door. It’s the phone he got me. “Listen, hate me all you want, but at least keep this phone. I just … I want you to have a way to call me ...if you want too.”

After another moment, I see the shadow of his boots disappear, but then they return not a second later.

“Why aren’t you in class?” Foster inquires.

Why doesn’t he just go? There’s no point in going to school for one semester. I’ve been cut off.

Again, I don’t respond.

“Alright, beautiful. I’ll take the hint. I hope you’re okay. I won’t bother you if you don’t want me too.” He pauses. “Is that what you want?” His voice cracks.

My heart cries no, but I don’t reply.

“If you need me, text me, okay? I never wanted to hurt you.”

“But you did,” I croak quietly, refusing to be a choice.

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