Private (Private 1)

FAMILIAR

from every angle.

“You just sound like a bunch of losers,” Thomas grumbled. “It’s a stupid tradition. I don’t know why they even bother anymore. If our parents want to send us shit, they can use the Internet. Why disrupt everything for an entire weekend?”

Thomas shoved through the cafeteria doors, stormed over to the

“Dude, chill. It’s not our fault your parents are assholes,”

closest tree, and slammed his fist into the bark.

Dash said.

“Thomas!” I shouted.

“Screw you, jackass,” Thomas snapped.

He didn’t even seem to hear me. He pulled back and smashed

And the last of the mirth was obliterated. I flushed, shocked.

his fist into the tree trunk again. And again and again.

Clearly Thomas had parental issues. He had grown blotchy around

“Stop it!” I shouted, grabbing his arm.

the neckline of his shirt and looked skittish, as if ready to bolt at the He resisted me at first, but then stopped when he saw how

first loud noise.

scared I looked.

“Are you all right?” I asked him.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“I’m fine,” he said, taking my hand. He looked at me with

Pointless question. But my heart was pounding and I felt almost pleading eyes. “Let’s get out of here.”

weak with fear and concern. I had to say something.

I didn’t want to go, really. Meal times with the Billings Girls Thomas blew out a breath and dropped down on a stone bench

were the best parts of my day. But he looked desperate, and his foot facing the cafeteria. He threw his bag down on the ground.

was bouncing up and down under the table, and he wanted me to

Overhead, clouds raced across the sky and a cool breeze sent chills leave with him. Me.

down my back.

“Sure,” I said.

“Sorry. Sorry,” Thomas said, stuffing his damaged hand under

He got up quickly and pulled me out of there so fast I barely had his arm.