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“But you guys never said,” she replied, frowning.

“We weren’t sure what he was going to do,” I explained, clutching Johnny’s hand as I stared at my brother. “If he was going to take Johnny’s parents up on their offer.”

“But he’s here!”

“Yep,” Johnny and I both replied. “He’s here.”

“Who isthat?” Shelly squealed, joining us once more. “Sweet baby Jesus, I’m in love.”

“He’s the new sixth year,” Helen explained with a dreamy sigh. “The new boy of Tommen.”

“Well, shit,” Gibsie mused, coming to join us. “This year is going to be eventful.”

“It’s going to be something, alright,” Johnny replied.

“Yeah,” Gibsie laughed. “Let the madness begin.”

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