Stolen (b.t.)

4

I don't even think y'all like this book💀
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Bryson

"So you said your name was Byron?" Leona turned, and smiled at him from the passenger's seat. "Bryson didn't mention having a brother"

"Yep" He responded dryly. "You can turn around now"

She ignored what he said. "How old are you?"

"Nine years younger than him. Turn. Around."

We made eye contact in the mirror, and I looked at him with pleading eyes.

He took a deep breath. "Well I guess I'm probably sorry"

I fidgeted with my shirt pocket until I pulled out my inhaler.

"I didn't know you had asthma" Leona said.

"Well what if he had an asthma attack and died?"

I sighed and pulled up in my driveway.

We all got out, and Byron went straight to his room.

"You can um- go get something out the kitchen if you like" I stood awkwardly, and looked down the path where Byron just walked.

"I've never met a fifteen year old like him"

"Yeah, well he's something else. His life's been kinda hard"

"His dad left?"

"What? No, he didn't. Some other stuff"

I was hoping that she would get the hint that I wasn't trying to talk about it.

I didn't want to go out and say it, because I already felt awkward in my own home.

"Oh, well you should go and check on your brother. I'll be on the couch"

I walked into Byron's room. "I'm sorry for bringing her around without your knowledge or permission"

"I want Tam"

"You can't - you can't have her, By"

"She supposed to be her replacement?"

"No, not at all"

"Dad, I don't want her around"

"I think that-"

"You don't care?"

"Of course I care about you. Everything that I do is for you"

"You doing her for me? Cause I don't want a sibling. That ain't fair for you to be taking care of another child, when you didn't take care of me"

"Right now?" I pushed my glasses up on my face.

"Yes, we doing this right now"

"Byron, please? I'm not asking you for much. What do you want from me?"

"A better-"

"Please don't say that"

"Well"

"You were taking your first steps, and I was just learning how to multiply"

"Yeah, I know. Could you take me out for school clothes?"

I nodded my head. "Just let me know when you're ready"

"Okay. Gone about your business"

I turned, and went to go check on Leona.

"You okay? You look sick?" She questioned.

"No. Imma be alright"

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