Chapter 29

(Bakersville middle school, 2005)

***

“Do you think I’ll turn out like my dad when I grow up?”

Emily looked up from her books. She had noticed he had been distracted ever since he walked in, and she had wanted to ask if everything was okay. She didn’t have to ask anymore. It was a bit charming, how she could always tell if something was wrong with Gabriel. He couldn’t hide it, even when he smiled and said it was nothing. She wouldn’t ask him again, because he would blurt it out eventually.

It broke her heart a little that this was what had been bothering him. it must have weighed on his mind for a while. She took his head in her hand and laid it on her shoulder. He was taller than her, way taller after he’s gotten his growth spurt so he had to slide further down on the floor they were sitting on, just so that he could be comfortable.

“I think the fact that you’re worried about it is a sign enough that you won’t be,” Emily said.

“You really think so?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Emily said, “I m