Page 103 of Crew Princess
We didn’t do emotional talks. Heather or me.
In some ways we were so alike, in other ways, so different.
Remembering that, I closed up, pulling away. My words dried up, and I swallowed them. Restlessness settled in. I wanted to get this shit done—go to Cross’ parents’ house where everyone was meeting for pictures. Go to the pre-dinner thing. Tabatha was hosting a shindig for more pictures, and then we were off to the dance.
And after the dance, I could breathe.
I could slip away.
I wouldn’t have to see alltheirmoms taking pictures anymore. I wouldn’t have to seetheirdads grudgingly there, or proudly there.
Even Cross would belong to his mom, his dad’s during the picture process. He might stick to me, but they would be there—hopefully playing nice with each other—wanting his attention, wanting to talk to him, hug him, love him. And deep down, he would love it. That’s what he needed.
Cross was normal.
I breathed out, catching myself only after I’d started. “I don’t know why Cross is with me sometimes.”
A choked gasp came from Heather as she sat down. “Excuse me. What?”
Shit.I’d already said it.
“Nothing.”
“Oh, no, no, no.” Heather’s chair scraped against the floor as she shoved right back out of it. She was across the room, trapping me.
I was going to bolt, but she caught my arm and sat beside me. “Hey.”
I didn’t look. I couldn’t.
I couldn’t believe I’d even said that. I mean, it wasn’t my place to question Cross’ decision, but…I was.
“Hey!” Heather tapped my chin. “Look at me. Talk to me. What is going on in that head of yours?”
The floor creaked.
I froze.
Heather cursed.
We looked up.
Channing stood in the doorway, his eyes pained and one hand resting against the doorframe.
“Why’d you say that?” he asked.
“How much did you hear?” I asked over a lump in my throat.
“All of it, but that—why did you say that, Bren?”
He stared at me, knowing. He knew why I’d said that. Why was he making me say it again? Explain it?
“You know,” I hissed.
“No.” He shook his head. “No. Not that. I don’t know that. Tell us, Bren. Now.”
“It’s noth—”
“It’s not nothing! Tell us. Tell me! Let me in!”
