Page 46 of Grown

“I can homeschool!”

“What about the Littles?”

“Is that what this is about? You won’t let me go ’cause I won’t be home to watch the Littles?”

Mom’s face flatlines.

“So I’m grown enough to watch your kids but not grown enough to live my life? That’s not fair! I’m missing out on being a kid watching YOURS! Damn, how much do I have to give up?”

The car grows painfully silent. In the back seat, Shea sits with tears in her eyes, not waiting for the car to stop before jumping out into the driveway. Mom turns off the ignition,leans her head against the steering wheel. She’s been working extra hours since Daddy’s strike started.

“Chant, I can’t keep fighting with you. I’m... tired.”

“You have to let me go,” I plead. “I know the money for tuition is due soon. You can use what I make for Shea.”

Mom lowers her head farther to hide her shame.

“But if you don’t let me go... I won’t be the same. I promise you, I’ll never ever be the same. Please, Mom!”

Mom looks at me, understanding flooding her eyes.

One thing I know about fish: you keep them on land too long, they’ll die.

Part Two

Chapter 31

Beet Juice 2

NOW

“Police. Open up!”

My toes are covered in beet juice and piss. They clash with my pedicure.

I should clean up, before anyone comes in here. Korey will be so mad if people see the place a mess.

Wait.

Wait.

No.

I look back inside the room. At his slumped-over body. His eyes are closed. Maybe for good. I hope for good.

No! Don’t think like that.

He loves you, remember?

Another three hard knocks again.

I’m frozen. A statue.

What have I done?

Chapter 32

On God