Six by M.M. Vaughan Read Free Book Online Page B

on his shoulder. Parker lowered his head. Another tap, hard enough to hurt. Parker still didn’t look around but pressed down on his wrist. Emma answered immediately.
    So you’re not going to look at me? she asked.
    No.
    Do you want to talk?
    No.
    Do you hate me?
    Parker didn’t answer.
    You do. You hate me. I was just trying to help.
    I didn’t need your help.
    Does it hurt?
    Yes.
    I’m really sorry, Parker. Please don’t be angry.
    Parker didn’t respond and was about to turn off Effie, when he heard the quiet sobs next him. He sighed and turned around to face his sister. Normally, they switched to signing when they faced each other in public, but the bus was moving now and the high-backed seats hid them both from view. He kept Effie on.
    Stop crying.
    I was just trying to help, said Emma. There were tears rolling down her cheeks. She looked so desperate and sorry that Parker couldn’t help but soften.
    I know. But you shouldn’t have done that. I look like an idiot now.
    Emma read his words on her glasses and her forehead wrinkled in confusion.
    Why?
    Parker shook his head in exasperation. Because it looks like I need my little sister to fight for me. And I don’t.
    But you don’t know karate. I’ve been watching videos.
    Parker rolled his eyes. Pulling someone’s hair is not karate, Emma.
    But I did hit him. It was a good, right? You have to admit that.
    That’s not the point, Emma! You’re my sister. And you’re younger than me. And you’re not me . It looks like I can’t sort out my own problems.
    Oh. I’m sorry, said Emma. She wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand. I think I scared him though.
    Parker looked at his sister, with her blond bob, neon blue-and-pink jacket, and yellow jeans, and wondered if it was possible to look less intimidating.
    I know you were just trying to help but, honestly, this is for me to sort out. And you could have been expelled for that—you shouldn’t have hit him.
    As he said this it occurred to Parker that he was being slightly hypocritical, but he decided there was no need to mention that he had considered doing the same.
    I just don’t understand why he was being so mean to you.
    Parker sighed. He’s an idiot, okay. I’m fine and there’s nothing you can do. Then something occurred to him. Except don’t tell Dad what happened.
    Emma raised an eyebrow—a neat little trick that Parker, to his frustration, hadn’t been able to master. He’s going to find out anyway. You skipped class. And you’ve got a black eye.
    I do? asked Parker. He put his hand up to his face and felt the swelling. Well, maybe he’ll find out, but he doesn’t need to know what started it. Don’t say anything about the cafeteria, and I’ll think of something to explain the black eye. Okay?
    Emma didn’t say anything, but Parker could tell by the way her lips were pursed that she wasn’t convinced. He tried again.
    Look, Emma, don’t you think Dad has enough to worry about? It was one of those things, and I’m fine. He’s stressed with his new job, and I don’t want him to have to worry about me, too.
    Emma bit her lip. I hadn’t thought of that. . . . Okay, I won’t tell him.
    Promise?
    I promise.
    Thank you, said Parker, turning to the window.
    But if it happens again, I’m going to tell him. I don’t care what you say.
    Parker shrugged. Fine. He switched off Effie. He’d deal with that matter if, or when, the time came.
    *  *  *  *  *  *
    Back at their house, Parker went straight to his room while Emma stayed downstairs watching television. By the time their father came home, two hours later than planned, Parker had taken a shower and changed into clean clothes. He felt better. Best of all, his father didn’t seem to know anything about what had happened at school that day. If he had, Parker