Chapter 23

(Bakersville Middle School, 2004)

***

“My dad’s moving out,” Gabriel said as he made his way past Emily into her room. Emily could tell that he was happy, excited, even.

She was happy for him. life had been tough for him with their parents arguing every single day. He’d lost so much: his popularity, his friends, even his weight. Emily could only imagine how good he felt to no longer have to worry about whether they would fight whenever his dad came home. He wouldn’t have to sneak into her room, too. It was getting dangerous and she was relieved that they were no longer running the risk of getting caught.

“Are your parents getting a divorce?” Emily asked, whispering the last word. She knew what it meant, and she didn’t want her Mom storming into her room because she heard her say it. she’d told her it was a bad word. It wasn’t, but she didn’t want to get on her bad side.

“No,” Gabriel said, “Mom said they’re just separated. She said there’s a difference between being divorced and being