I nod. Even if I wanted to speak, I couldn’t.
“Get out!” he yells.
Finally, I run.
Every step I take requires all of my energy, to put one foot in front of the other, to keep from falling flat on my face.
This is Langston’s life. This will always be his life until he’s old enough to put a stop to it. He might be getting a fancier house to live in, but it won’t stop his father.
At least I was able to prevent one more beating he had to endure. If I could, I’d take all the pain for him, but I can’t.
As soon as I’m out of the house, I consider my options.
I thought I’d be able to go back to my house afterward. I could change clothes, put on a couple of bandaids and tell Langston I fell off my bike or something. But there is no hiding what I did—no hiding the bruises, the blood, the tears.
Langston will be pissed at me. He’ll be angry and might even confront his dad, which would make everything I did moot. I’m not going to let that happen.
Yesterday was about making memories together.
Today was supposed to be about saying goodbye. About finding a way to connect in our new normal.
New tears spring.
We just lost our last day together because of me.
But I saved him from a beating. It was worth it. Even if I don’t say goodbye.
I can’t stay here.
Langston will eventually go home after he looks for me. I just have to make sure he shows up by five o’clock.
I run into my house and find a utility bill on the counter. I turn the envelope over and grab a marker before writing Langston a note.
* * *
Killer,
* * *
I had to go with my mom to work today. I’ll try to make it back before you leave at five. If I don’t make it back in time, I’ll see you soon.
* * *
—Huntress
* * *
I grab some of the cash Langston and I stole, and then I leave. I’m not sure if I’ll return in time to see Langston before he leaves, but I can’t spend the entire day with him. He’d figure it out, and that would break me worse than Mr. Pearce’s boot did.
The seconds, minutes, hours drag as I ride the bus to the mall and buy some new clothes that fit me, covering my arms and legs. I look at myself in the mirror in the public bathroom. The only visible mark now is where he grabbed my neck.
I brush my hair so it hangs down over my neck, making it that
much harder for anyone to notice.
Finally, I take the four-thirty bus back home.
I don’t know if I’ll make it in time to see Langston before he leaves. I leave it up to fate.