Page 44 of War

Amantha frowned and shook her head. “Let's make sandwiches at home. We can't aff—”

“Yes, we can get burgers on the way home,” I interrupted. The boy had survived a drunk driving accident; I’d buy him whatever he wanted. “Milkshakes, too, if you want.”

Neo's eyes widened with excitement.

“Can we?” he asked Amantha.

She smiled. “If Zion wants to.”

I winked at Neo. “Don't worry. I got you, man.”

I stretched my hand forward for a fist-bump, which Neo returned with a grin on his face.

“I'm going to go,” Detective Berger said. “The nurse is supposed to come take Neo's IV out, then you guys can head home.” He nodded at Neo. “Thanks for keeping me company.”

“Sure. Anytime,” Neo said.

“Thank you, Detective,” Amantha said. “Call if you need anything.”

The detective nodded at us and walked out of the room.

“What kind of burger do you guys want? Where should we go?” Neo asked.

I smiled. Leave it to a teenager to move right on after such a big event.

Chapter 21

We sat around the bar in Amantha's apartment, eating burgers out of fast food wrappers and sipping milkshakes.

“So what happened?” Amantha asked. She'd barely eaten half her food but was making a good attempt for Neo.

Neo shook his head. “Mona's parents got into a fight early in the day. Her mom stormed off, so it was Mona and me with her dad. After the roller derby ended, he drove us home and got into an accident.” Neo bit his burger like it was no big deal.

Teenagers felt immortal, so I guess it wasn't to him.

“I knew I should've met them,” Amantha mumbled.

“Where's Mona?” I asked.

Neo frowned and shook his head. “I don't know. Detective Berger said not to worry, that she was fine and would be at school tomorrow.”

I nodded. “That's good.”

Neo finished his burger and slurped the rest of his chocolate milkshake.

“I have to finish my homework before school. I'm going to head to my room.” He stood to scoop up his trash.

“Okay. I love you,” Amantha said.

Neo smiled. “Love you, too. Night, guys.”

“Night,” I said.

“Night,” Amantha echoed.

Neo threw his trash away and disappeared up the hallway.

When he was gone, I turned to Amantha and extended my arms to her. She fit herself against my chest in a tight hug. I wrapped my arms around her and just held her.