The Distort Arc: Cape High Books 1-4 (Cape High Series Omnibus) by R.J. Ross

just said he's on parole, Zoe.  He's not going to do anything to us!" Sunny says.  "Come on, the sooner we go, the better."
    I nod, situate my bags better, and head for the stairs again.  There's other kids home by this time, heading for the dining area for dinner, as if nothing out of the norm is happening.  Do they know?  Probably.  Do they care, though?  Probably not.  Max would.  Maybe Trent would.  Maybe I'm still an idiot, I think as I head down the stairs.  Even if they just claimed to have our backs, we just started talking to them yesterday or today.  Having powers isn't exactly a blood tie.
    I stare at Technico, who's still lounging on the couch but now eating a plate of food, and realize that even blood ties are flimsy.  "Your foster mom's a good cook," Technico comments as he finishes his food.  "You might grab something before we go."
    "What, no McDonalds?" I ask.
    "I'm broke," Technico says.  "Not for long, of course, but right now I don't have a dollar to my name.  Go get food."
    I look at Sunny then drop my bags on the floor and head into the dining area to grab a plate.  I feel awkward, especially when everyone stares at us.  "Aren't you moving out already?" Jack asks, speaking to me for the first time since that morning.  He looks sullen.
    "We're going to eat first--if that's okay, Marge?" Sunny says.
    "It's fine, honey.  This is still your home even if you're moving away, you know.  You're both welcome to come over any time."
    "Thanks," I say, feeling guilty for some reason.  Maybe I was wrong to look at her so cynically.  There was more than just money involved, by the way she worked so hard to keep us fed properly and clothed.  I just... I just kept comparing it to what I used to have.  "For... you know, everything," I add as I take my seat and start to eat.
    "Yeah," Sunny agrees.  "For everything."
    The dinner is the usual thing, although it seems more subdued to me.  Maybe it's because we're leaving, but more likely it’s because everyone feels a bit nervous having Technico sitting in the parlor.  I see all of them glance at the door at least once as we eat, and I can almost feel their tension.  Is it because he's a stranger, or on some level are they picking up on what he really is?  I have no idea.
    "Thank you for dinner," I say as I finish.  "Can I be excused?"
    "Yes, of course," Marge says before standing.  She comes around the table as I stand and pulls me into a hug.  "You are a wonderful girl, Zoe," she says.  There are tears in her eyes, much to my shock.  "I'll miss you.  I'll miss you, too, Sunny," she says as he stands.  Soon we're both tugged into a group hug.  "Be safe in your new life," she whispers before kissing us both on the cheek.  It’s the first time she's done this and I'm a bit shocked by it.
    "It'll be fine," Sunny says, looking as awkward as I feel.  "He's our dad, right?"
    "You look exactly like him," she agrees.  "I always thought you were going to grow up to be a heartbreaker," she adds teasingly.
    "Not really," Sunny says, flushing slightly.  "Thanks, Marge.  We might stop by once in a while, okay?"
    "You better!"  She looks to me again.  "You--oh, Zoe, you're going to do big things.  You both are.  Your mother would be proud."
    "I... I hope so," I say quietly as I pull away from her hold.  I give her a little smile.  "Bye," I say as I head out the dining area door and into the parlor.  "I'm ready," I say.
    "Me, too," Sunny says as we grab our things.
    "Then let's go," Technico says, getting to his feet and heading out the door.  We follow, stepping out into the dusk.  I turn, looking up at the house we've lived in for two years.  Then, without a word, I turn and look at the car on the street in front of us.
    "Whoa," Sunny says.  "I thought you didn't have a dollar."
    "I don't.  I hit the junkyard before I came.  Double M's too stingy to give me a car as well as an apartment."
    "What do you need a car for, anyway?" I