Page 97 of The First Time
Chapter Sixteen
Piper
Mal is waiting for me at home. He's sitting in the kitchen in front of a wrapped present.
An enormous, hot pink present with a pastel pink bow.
He shoots me a curious look. "You been at school all this time?"
"Took a walk."
"You eat?"
I nod.
He nods to the full carafe. "I made you coffee. Might be stale by now."
I move in for a hug. "Extra cream and sugar please."
He chuckles as he fixes my cup. "Our dentist should send me extra Christmas cards."
"I've only had two cavities my entire life." I take a long sip of the coffee. It's perfect.
Mal shakes his head teasingly. His blue eyes light up as he motions to the gift bag. "You ready?"
There's no way this gift is the thing I really want, but I'm excited all the same.
I pick up the swirly floralCongratulationscard sitting on the counter and flip it open.
Piper,
Congratulations on getting through your firstyearof college. I know, for a fact, that I'm the proudest brother in the entire world. It helps my case that Ethan is busy with Violet's graduation—half his pride is going to her. You're going to do great things one day. This is only the first step.
This should help you enjoy your summer.
Love,
Mal
My heart melts. I lean in for another hug. Mal wraps his thick arms around me and squeezes tightly. He really gives good hugs.
It almost makes up for my parents not being here or giving a fuck about me.
I blink back a tear.
That's not happening.
I'm not crying over their absence.
There's a lot of love in my life— more than in most people's. My parents aren't ruining that.
Period.
I have to prove Mal right. I have to prove I am bound for great things. I have to prove that I don't need my parents around. That I did everything without them.
Mal motions to the present. "Go ahead."
It's almost too pretty to open.
