Chapter 24: Chapter 24

“Ha Ha. Funny.” Pad punched Jack in the arm.

“Ow! Well, see you can laugh about it now,” said Jack.

Aunt Maddy turned to face Pad. “It seemed like yesterday they called us and told us you were trying to pawn your bike. Who does that at thirteen?”

“I wanted to go to New York,” Pad whispered.

Jen leaned over to Pad. “So I thought you were going to be in Bangkok another day or two.”

“Didn’t work out. I liked him, but he didn’t want it to be serious.” He dropped his head. “He was afraid of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ too.”

“So? You could still enjoy Bangkok. I saw his picture. I know I would,” chimed Jack.

“We also had a fight. About us.”

“So you still run away from your problems, huh?” asked Jack.

“I hate you,” said Pad.

“You love me. You hate it when I’m honest with you. That’s all. You hate it when Jen and I tell you the truth.”

Pad stared at the rearview mirror and saw Jen nod in agreement.

Of course they’re being honest. But RJ didn’t love me so why should I have stayed?