Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
“Maybe it’s not related at all,” Mom said, tapping my knee. “Let’s wait to hear something before jumping to conclusions.”
I sighed and sat back. “You’re right.”
When Bones, A-Train, and Flash came into the room, they didn’t seem surprised to see me.
Bones approached us and said, “Sorry if I gave you a hard time. I think I get it now.”
But did he really? When my gaze met Spencer’s, I had a feeling Henry’s best friend knew what was happening between Henry and me. And I got the impression he would keep it to himself.
“I’m sorry too,” Flash blurted out. “For acting like a jackass about everything.”
I smiled, glad these guys seemed to be taking it all to heart. “It’s all cool.”
“You boys should head back to Roosevelt,” Coach said as he stood. But classes were the last thing on my mind. I wasn’t leaving, not until I saw Henry with my own two eyes. “Who’s next?”
“Is Lark allowed to visit Henry too?” Mom asked Coach after the final four players went to the room, leaving only us and Spencer. “As you know, the boys have been a good support for each other.”
“I don’t see why not. But that would be up to Henry,” he replied. “Not sure if his parents will chime in. You know how it is.”
I made a frustrated sound, and Mom squeezed my shoulder.
“Henners would want that. He cares about Lark,” Spencer said. “He should be allowed to see him too.”
“I agree,” Coach said. “I’ll walk down with you to speak to them.”
After the last players said their goodbyes, we followed Coach and Spencer to Henry’s room.
“Just a couple more visitors,” Coach said in greeting. “You’re probably tired.”
“Helps kill time. Who is it?” Henry asked, and as soon as his eyes met mine at the door, his smile was blinding. “You came!”
I ignored how uncomfortable his parents looked as I stepped farther inside. “You gave all of us a good scare.”
His smile faltered. “I know. I’m sorry.”
I felt their scrutiny, and Mom must’ve noticed because she squeezed my hand, then took a step back so as not to crowd us, and said, “I’m just here for support. I know how scary all this must’ve been.” That was mainly for the benefit of Henry’s parents, but all they did was nod.
“Is Star here too?” Henry asked.
“She’s at preschool. Plus, the hospital has rules for kids who aren’t family.”
“Just as well that she doesn’t see me hooked up to these machines.” He lifted his hand, which pulled at the IV line.
His dad seemed confused, so I said, “Star is my sister. You might’ve seen her at Parents’ Day.”
If you hadn’t been trying so hard to ignore us.
“I remember,” Mrs. Albrecht replied, glancing at Mom. “She seems very sweet. I didn’t realize you and your husband had another—”
“Ex-husband,” Mom replied. “We’re divorced now.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
When awkward silence descended, Henry blurted, “Star’s the best. She loves to color and play games. She even beat me in checkers.”
I snickered. “Um, I’m pretty sure you let her beat you.”
He winked. “Told you she likes me better.”
Mr. Albrecht cleared his throat, and the room grew quiet. Oh shit.
“The truth is…” Henry looked at me, and I nodded, following his lead. “Sometimes I hang out with Lark and Star on the weekends. With his best friend, Pete, too.”
I saw Spencer shift in my side view, so he must’ve been putting all the pieces together for himself. The stuff that Henry left unsaid about where he’d disappear to some nights.
“How far away from campus do you live?” Mr. Albrecht asked.
“About twenty minutes.” I squared my shoulders. “We live in the Lakeview Trailer Park.”
“It’s a nice community,” Henry said, no doubt feeling like he had to make it sound appetizing enough for his well-to-do parents, but having to explain at all left a bad taste in my mouth. Henry continued, “The residents are awesome, and they have a bird’s-eye view of the lake.”
Mr. Albrecht folded his arms. “All well and good, but that’s not the point.”
Henry scoffed. “Then what is?”
“It sounds like you’re taking time away from your teammates and studying in order to—”
“Come on, Dad, that’s just an excuse.” He sighed and sank against his pillow. “And I’m so tired of pretending.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Pretending?”
“Pretending that I didn’t have cancer and that I’m not terrified that I have it again.”
Mrs. Albrecht sniffled and briefly shut her eyes. The air hung heavy in the room.
“It’s probably not likely—”
“Pretending that Lark and I aren’t close,” Henry spoke over his dad, who fell silent. “I don’t want to waste any more time. I want to be true to myself for as much time as I have on this earth. Even if you disown me or stop speaking to me.”
“Why in the world would we do that?” Mrs. Albrecht asked through what sounded like a sniffly nose. When I heard the door behind me, I glanced back in time to see Coach and Spencer shuffle out of the room, maybe to give them privacy.