Page 143 of Run Away Home: Tempered

I pull up Tristian’s text box.

Hes kicking me out of the apartment!! I’m going 2 be homeless!!

IDK what 2 do!!

The three dots appear on my screen. He’s typing.

I had a idea but u said...

He’s right. Even my horoscope said it was time to make a change...to make thatbig decision.

OK let’s do it.

Peter’s choosing Danny over me, just like he said he would. It’s time for me to choose myself and my baby. Someone has to choose us. Tristian was right. Survival of the fittest.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Danny

“DO I HAVE TO GO TOMatt’s today?” I ask as I stuff a binder into my backpack. Peter’s standing over me, watching.

“Every day after school until Wednesday, just for now. On Wednesday you’ll come home. We’ll order pizza or something.”

“Are you sure?”

Peter looks at me confused. “Yes, I’m sure. Why would you ask me that?”

“I...I don’t know.”

“What’s wrong with going to Matt’s?”

“Nothing, I guess. I don’t know. I like hanging out with him, but sometimes I’m tired after school and practice, and I just want to lay down in bed.”

“You’ll get to do that soon.”

“A hundred percent positive?”

“A hundred and ten. Danny, what’s up? Talk to me.”

“I heard you and Hayley yesterday. I mean, you were really loud.”

“I’m sorry. It had to be done.”

“Well, what if she doesn’t leave?”

“Then I ask the landlord to change the locks. Or better yet, we move into a different apartment. Nothing else will happen, but she’s going to leave. She has no choice.”

“You swear?”

“Danny. I am going to be here for you until I take my last breath. I swear. No one is taking you anywhere.”

That’s a relief. I don’t want to be put into foster care. I won’t know anyone. Home won’t feel like home. It’s scary.

“What do you want for breakfast?” he asks.

“I’ll just take a granola bar with me on the bus.”

“Okay. They’re in the cabinet. Your lunch is in the fridge.”

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