Page 97 of Science Project

In fact, he had been so pissed off at me that he … threw a rock through the front window.

“I’m sorry, Akio,” I mumbled to myself and repeated my apology, tears burning my eyes. “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you sooner. You should’ve never found out this way. Please forgive me. I … I don’t have anyone else.”

Summoning all my courage, I knocked on his door. The sound echoed through the night, my heart pounding inside my chest. I bounced on my toes and wrapped my arms around myself to try and stop the nerves.

“I’m sorry, Akio. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

Seconds stretched on and on and on with no response. My heart sank, but I was determined to beg for his forgiveness, to show him that I … just wanted to be that normal girl he had hung out with all night, that I wasn’t just a whore like everyone thought I was.

So, I knocked again.

My heart pounded in my ears, my thoughts racing. What did Akio think about me? Did he find me disgusting? Gross? Just another slut?

Doubts clawed at my insides. What was I doing here? It wasn’t like he actually wanted to see me. If he had wanted to see me or to stop it, he would’ve done to Dad what he had done to Pick. My fingers trembled as I debated my next move—knock again or go back home to Dad. Neither sounded like something I wanted to do.

Should I leave a note, maybe text him?

A gust of wind rustled the leaves in the trees. I tightened my hands into fists. I couldn’t leave without knowing that he was okay. I wanted to at least apologize.

Just as I peered through the window, the door opened.

But instead of Akio, an older man with a stern expression etched into his face stood before me. He narrowed his pointed gaze, eyeing my disheveled appearance. “You’re that girl that my wife was telling me about, aren’t you?”

“What?” I asked breathlessly. “No, I’m here to see Akio. I-is he home?”

“What do you want with my son?” he asked.

“We’re, um, working on a science project together.”

A low, gruff laugh escaped his throat. “A science project, huh? He should be working with Imani Abara, a smart girl, and not someone like you. You’re the police chief’s daughter, aren’t you?” Another empty chuckle. “You have nothing to bring to our table.”

I opened and closed my mouth a handful of times, a mix of hurt and anger swirling within me. I knew that I wasn’t as smart as Imani, but I … I didn’t have much time to try. But of course, like he’d said, I had nothing to give Akio.

That was apparent.

“Please,” I whispered. “I just need to see him.”

He scoffed. “Get lost and don’t bother my son again.”

Tears welled in my eyes. “But I love him.”

I hadn’t said those words out loud in front of anyone but Akio himself. And yet, I couldn’t stop those words from leaving my mouth because I so badly wanted to fight for love and for us—even though I knew Akio probably didn’t want me like that anymore.

I was willing to do anything to keep him.

Anything.

“Love?” he spit. “My son doesn’t love you. Now, leave before I call the police.”

Not wanting to face Dad or any other of his buddies tonight, I turned on my heel and walked back to my car. My eyes blurred with unshed tears, my feet heavy. I yanked the door open and fumbled with my keys.

After sliding into the driver’s seat, I gripped the steering wheel and stared blankly ahead. I wanted to be numb like I had been for years. I didn’t want to think about what had happened or about what could happen. It was easier that way.

When I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, Hannah drifted through my mind. All this time, I’d wanted to make her proud. How could I make her proud and get out of this situation if I did nothing to leave? How could I make her proud if I lived in fear?

I picked my phone up from the passenger seat and stared down at my Contacts. My fingers hesitated over the screen, my heart pounding inside my chest when I clicked the Call button. The phone rang once, then twice, and then João answered.

“Who is this?” he growled. “I’m busy.”

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