Fractured ( Fractured #1) by Holleigh James Page A

Hanleys. They compliment me on everything, but I think it’s because I help them with their groceries and chores around the house.”
    “Do you want to do something with art when you finish high school?” His question was serious.
    My spirit deflated. “No. I want to be a neuro-scientist,” I said, stealing another glance of his perfect face, before looking away in shame. I knew a good college was not in my immediate future.
    “That’s wonderful,” Rob said. “Is that because of Dillon?”
    I nodded.
    His body altered so that he was facing me. Peering into my face, he seemed interested in my plans. “What schools are you apply ing to?”
    Another nervous laugh came from my lips. “I won’t be able to go to college, at least , not right away.”
    His smile fade d. The lines in his face melted, his expression serious. “Why not?”
    “I mean, I’m going to go to community college at night once I get a job after high school, just to get the prerequisites out of the way. My dad can’t afford to send both me and Bryan to college at the same time.” Without being prompted, I defended my brother. “Bryan has a shot at a football scholarship, so his tuition won’t be as much. He’s the better choice for college. He’s not just another empty-headed jock, you know. He had a 92 average this year. If a career in sports doesn’t work out for him, he has other options.”
    Rob’s body stiffened. “What about your options? You’re gifted.” His tone was angry.
    “Well, I’ll start with the two-year community college plan, and work my way up. I’m going to apply for some academic scholarships; I have a 98 average. That would take care of the bulk of the tuition.” At that moment, despite my intellectual accomplishments, I felt worthless. Rob shook his head, but remained silent. It wasn’t until that moment that I realized all of the things I was missing, like working on my career, having a non-dysfunctional family, and a boyfriend who cared about me. What could I do? Dillon needed me. Mom needed me. Dad needed me. Even Bryan needed me. But my brain yelled that I needed Rob. At least, I did at that very minute.
    Being near him made me feel as if I could accomplish anything,
    That’s all that mattered. He could have agreed with how pathetic I was, and I wouldn’t have cared.
    “I’m sorry.” His voice was low , and the lines around his eyes softened.
    “For what?”
    “It’s none of my business. You don’t even know me and I’m getting angry about your personal choices.” He bowed his head and rubbed his thumb against the boulder beneath us.
    “That’s okay,” I said. “I know I have limits to overcome, but I’m trying to get around the road blocks.”
    “Let’s change the subject.” His upturned lips altered the mood.
    I smiled back. “ Okay, what do you want to talk about?”
    “Anything you want to.”
    I thought for a moment. “So, what’s your favorite color?”
    “That’s what you want to talk about, my favorite color?” His eyebrows climbed high on his forehead. He tried to hold back a laugh.
    “Yup, that’s what I want to talk about, at least to start with. Then I’ll move on until I’ve learned everything there is to know about you.” I straightened my back, turned my head towards him, and waited for his reply.
    His shoulders relaxed before he answer ed. “Black. What’s yours?”
    I looked into his eyes. Their power took me over. “Blue.”
    His laughter chimed like bells.
    “What’s so funny?”
    “Together we’re black and blue.”
    I laughed, too.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Thirteen
     
     
    While taking turns asking each other questions, we discovered we had a lot in common. We liked the same movies, had the same taste in music, both appreciated nature, and we each wanted something meaningful in our lives. My invisible barrier crumbled. It surprised me how easy it was to share my thoughts so freely with him. I wasn’t the least bit