Page 14 of From the Ashes
“When you do, you’ll be the brightest star in the publishing world.” I stared into those green depths, straight into his soul. “I believe in you. And I’ll be cheering you on the entire way.”
With a smile, he threw an arm around me, pulling me into a hug.
“You’re the best friend a guy could ask for, Charlie. I love you, buddy.”
“Love you too.”
And I meant it. More than he’d ever know.
CHAPTER 5
Charlie
“Idon’t understand why we’re going to this thing,” I said for the fifth time. “You literally hate everyone that’s going to be there.”
Nix let out a sigh. “Itoldyou Charlie! They invited some kids from the next town over! Maybe I’ll actually find someone interesting. And you might too!”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “I doubt it.”
“Well, you won’t find anyone with that attitude,” he laughed, nudging me in the shoulder. “Come on! It’s the last big bonfire before our senior year! We’re both eighteen now and it’s about time we had a little fun, don’t you think? At the very least we can drink cheap beer and act stupid.”
“Youalwaysact stupid.”
“I know. That’s why I’m going to this. It gives me an excuse to be myself.”
“And for me to be someone I’m not.”
“Don’t worry so much. I’m sure you can find a nice dark corner to hang out in and drink. Chances are everyone is gonna avoid us anyway.” He glanced over at me, a smirk curling over his lips. “Maybe you can dance in the dark with me.”
“Calm down, Lady Gaga.” I turned and looked out the window as the dark trees flew by. “I still don’t understand why you want me to go.”
Nix sighed, knowing he wasn’t going to win me over. But his expression grew somber as he stared out the window, driving us down the long winding dirt road.
“If you want to know the truth,” he said at last. “I wanted you to go with me because… well, because I was too scared to go alone.”
“What?” I scoffed. “You’re not scared of anything.”
“I’m scared of lots of things, Charlie. I just do my best not to show it.”
“Like what?” I still didn’t believe him.
“Like going to college by myself.”
“But we’re going to the same school.”
“I know. Because I applied to the one you were going to, so I didn’t have to go alone.”
For some reason, that made my heart sing.
“I’m afraid of losing my freedom,” he continued. “My creativity. I’m afraid I’ll never finish this damn book I’ve been working on for two years now. And I’m afraid… of losingyou, Charlie.”
My heart did a weird sort of flip as he gave me a soft smile.
“You’re not gonna lose me,” I replied, reaching out and putting my hand on his knee. “You’re family to me. You always have been fromthe day I met you. Even if you wanted to, you couldn’t get rid of me.”
His hand came to rest on top of mine, giving my fingers a squeeze. “Thanks, buddy. I don’t know if I would’ve survived this wholeschoolthing without you.”
“Me either.”