‘We don’t know that.’
‘We can’t jump to conclusions without proof.’
‘But we can’t wait either.’
‘Hugo, what have you seen?’
There was a pause in the conversation, followed by my brother’s slow intake of breath. ‘I can’t be sure yet,’ he said. ‘And until I am, nothing will be done, understand? Now, shut up, all of you. He’ll be back any second. Get out the pizza.’
The others abruptly switched the conversation to trivial things. I continued to lean against the wall, ignoring the ache in my shoulders. This was more important. I’d just eavesdropped on some big secret, and it was pretty obvious why I’d been left out. Whatever they’d been whispering about, it had to do with me.
My stomach grumbled and I pressed my hand against my torso. Maybe they’d been discussing whether I was ready to learn how to tattoo, something I’d been begging Hugo about for months. If so, then I definitely wanted to know.
I put on an easy smile and launched into the room. ‘So, what were you guys talking about?’
Hugo glanced up from the cash register. ‘Nothing important.’
‘Are you sure?’ I pressed. ‘Because it sounded like…’
‘Just shop talk,’ he said, cutting me off.
I met my brother’s eyes and read the look. I wasn’t going to get anywhere with the direct approach. I switched gears while I debated my next attempt. ‘Hey, Kris,’ I said, eyeing the pizza boxes in his hands. ‘It’s about time. My stomach’s threatening to eat itself.’
‘Yeah, I got your food right here,’ Kris replied. ‘Just try to save some for the rest of us, eh?’
There were four pizzas: two were cheese and two were loaded with meat. I normally opted for the cheese, but tonight, the meat had my number, and I piled six slices onto my plate and ripped through them like there was no tomorrow. James shook his head incredulously at me, and I grinned back.
The guys talked about the shop and their customers and about the repairs Hugo was making on his bike. Vincent said his girlfriend was going to stop by, and James thought that his wife might also show up. I listened in silence as I worked through the pizza, but fragments of their whispered conversation filtered through my head.
‘Sebastian.’ Hugo frowned at me. ‘You look tired. Why don’t you go back to the apartment? Maybe watch some TV? Kris has a customer coming in, and we’re going to stick around and help close up after.’
The hint was far from subtle.
There’d be no secrets spilled tonight, unless I forced it. My brother was worse than a maximum-security prison when he wanted to be. But I was patient. Or maybe just tired. Sitting around had made my back worse and, combined with my lingering headache, had pretty much beaten the curiosity out of me. I’d catch my brother tomorrow. Whatever he was keeping from me, I had a better chance of prying it out of him when he was alone.
‘Sure, Hugo. Whatever you say.’ I looked at my empty plate and considered grabbing another slice of pizza, but opted against it. I took another soda instead and hoisted my bag over my shoulder. ‘Well, I guess I’ll see you guys tomorrow.’
‘Nighty night,’ said Vincent.
‘Don’t let the bedbugs bite,’ added Kris.
James grinned. ‘And don’t forget to brush your teeth.’
I hurled an empty pizza box at his head and rushed out before he could catch me. The last door on the hall led to home: Hugo’s nondescript apartment contained a simple kitchen, two bedrooms, one bath, and a living room.
I dumped my bag and stepped over a small glass table to reach the love seat. I curled up in the cushions, planning to watch television for a while, but I’d barely made it to the Discovery Channel before my eyelids started to droop. Within minutes, I was asleep.
I wasn’t sure at what point Hugo came in, but when I woke, it was 3 o’clock in the morning, and a blanket had been draped over me. I shifted, letting out a groan. My shoulders were killing me. I tried massaging the stiff muscles as I stumbled to my bedroom. Once there, I flopped down, face first, onto the hard mattress.
Sleep never returned. The image of the Gypsy girl flickered through my mind, but staring at the clock every fifteen minutes kept her appearance to a minimum. When the numbers registered 6:00, I got up and scrabbled for the nearest pile of clean clothes, retrieving a pair of jeans and a faded T-shirt. I ducked into the bathroom, got ready, and took a critical glance in the mirror.
I shoved my fingers through the dark mass of hair plastered to my face. The summer had done nothing for my skin – not that it had much chance – since I spent most of my time indoors or with my hood pulled low to block the searing Southern sun. My friends went to the beach; I worked in Hugo’s shop or read in the apartment. I felt more comfortable there.
My eyes were rimmed with dark circles, betraying my lack of sleep over the past few weeks. I scowled and reached for the hood of my jacket. As I did, I noticed something strange, just below my right temple. I tilted my head towards the mirror. It was a chunk of gray hair, as wide and nearly as long as my thumb.
‘You have got to be kidding me,’ I said to the mirror.
It didn’t talk back, but my phone alarm did. I messed with my hair until I managed to cover up the silvery streak. I didn’t know if I was starting to go gray at the ripe old age of eighteen, but I’d have to figure out the hair thing later. If I didn’t leave now, I’d be late for school. I flicked off the light and left Hugo’s apartment.
The shop was dark, but I didn’t need help finding the vending machine. I confiscated two bags of chips, a package of Oreos, and a Pop Tart, hoping they would appease my crazy appetite until lunch. I smirked at my handful of snacks. Hugo was right. I was going to eat him out of house and shop. I let myself out and locked the door behind me.
My stomach didn’t make it past fourth period. It rumbled loud protests – which I ignored – as I hurried down the aisle of the Sixes High School auditorium. Most of the class had already assembled. I slid into the third row and dumped my backpack in Avery’s lap. His face contorted.
‘Ow, man! Whatcha got in there? A bowling ball?’
‘Why do you ask?’ I plopped down smugly beside him. ‘Oh, I guess because that’s something a really weird person would do.’
‘Okay, okay,’ he said, shoving my bag at me. ‘I’m sorry about what I said yesterday. I was just making an observation, that’s all.’
Everybody has their quirks. For the most part, I accepted mine. But I didn’t need my recent blank-outs adding to my already sizable list. I slid my book bag underneath the seat and grinned. ‘Apology accepted.’
‘Hey, Sebastian,’ said a voice behind me, ‘are you going to audition for the play?’
I tilted my head to meet Katie Lewis’s bright blue eyes. She was practically bouncing on the seat behind me. Katie may have given some substance to that cliché about dumb blondes but, in reality, her grade point average put her at the top of our class.
‘Ah, no, I don’t think I’ll be auditioning. I’m better backstage, you know, in the shadows, where I can’t be seen.’ I didn’t consider myself a theater person – even though I did like Shakespeare – but after helping with one of the drama department’s shows, Katie had twisted my arm until I joined the club.
‘Oh whatever, Sebastian. It’s our senior year. You should at least try.’