When we got to Sunnyvale Court, the bus driver stopped in front of Kota’s house. “Everyone on this street, I’ll pick you up here in the morning,” the driver said. I shuffled out with Kota and Gabriel. My sister, Danielle and her brother were behind us. I stood with Kota and Gabriel in the driveway. “I guess I’ve got to go. If my sister checks in and I’m not there...” “Can you get back out?” Gabriel asked. I glanced at my sister, who was talking to Danielle. “We’ll have to see how this goes. I might have to negotiate.” “What does that mean?” Kota asked. He pushed his glasses up his nose. “You still haven’t told me.” “It’s too hard to explain right now.” Gabriel held out his forefinger with his thumb up like his hand was a gun. He jerked it, taking a shot at me. “Call us,” he said. “Or run back over if you can.” I nodded. I started up the road toward the house. Marie soon followed me. I walked alongside my sister. It felt strange to be standing next to her after spending the whole day with the guys.
