The Union

by T. H. Hernandez

  “Yeah. They went down to the cafeteria to get dinner.”

  “I need to talk to your dad before I head back to the office. I’ll see you soon.”

  “Thanks for everything.”

  He gives me a tight smile. “I just wish my everything could’ve been more.” His security detail opens the door, and he walks out,/ leaving me alone with my thoughts.

  I don’t want Alivia to get away with this, but I’m not sure I have the strength to fight all of them. Letting her win is wrong on every level, but going to trial, testifying, listening to her lies? That might be more than I can handle.

  Somewhere in all the thinking, the pain medication kicks in and I doze off.

  “Hey, Evansville.” A smooth, sexy voice pulls me from my drug-induced sleep.

  Today has gone from the worst day ever to my own personal hell. When it becomes apparent he’s not leaving, I stop feigning sleep and pry open one eye. “Hey.”

  Bryce stands near the door, his hands stuffed into the front pockets of his jeans. I raise my bed to a seated position and stare at him, waiting for him to tell me what he’s doing here.

  “I wanted to make sure you’re okay.” Bryce walks over to sit on the edge of the bed and stares down at the pale green blanket, tracing his finger over the pattern. When he lifts his head, his gaze holds mine with intensity. “I need to apologize.”

  I’m at a loss for words, unsure why he’s apologizing because Alivia took the A-Train to crazy town.

  He shifts and takes a deep breath. “I broke up with Alivia last night. We weren’t serious or anything and I’m leaving after graduation next week.” He shakes his head. “She jumped to conclusions when she saw me talking to you this morning.”

  The door opens and Lisa barrels in, Colin trailing behind her. “Oops. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  “I should be going,” Bryce says, standing and moving toward the door. His steel-colored eyes never waver from mine until he turns and walks out.

  My head spins and I’m not sure if it’s from the concussion or Bryce. I stare at the door, trying to figure out what just happened while Lisa and Colin chatter, only bits of their conversation filtering into my consciousness.

  While they talk, the events of the past twenty-four hours spiral in my head. Bryce’s words at the park about not settling for a career I don’t want, working for Joe, getting my ass handed to me in the bathroom, my uncle’s proposed deal. They slide and move until they suddenly line up, like pieces of one of those sliding picture puzzle games.

  “Evan?” Lisa’s pinched features make it clear she’s annoyed I’m not paying attention to her.

  “Can you get my parents for me? I need to talk to them.”

  She furrows her brow, but just shrugs and says, “Okay.”

  After she leaves, Colin sits on the edge of my bed. “They really did a number on you.”

  “Yeah. It feels like I was plowed by a train.”

  He shakes his head, but Lisa returns with my mom and Joe before either of us can say more. Colin and Lisa hug me goodbye with promises of visiting again tomorrow.

  Alone with my parents, my eyes flick between them. My body is relaxed, my limbs heavy. It might be the drugs, but I’m not nervous. I take that as a sign this is the right decision. I haven’t been this sure about anything in a long time, if ever.

  I take a deep breath and exhale. “I know what I want to do. Eddie is sending me a ticket to visit him and the kids.” My mom bristles at my bio-dad’s name, and I hurry on before she can shoot me down. “I want to upgrade to an L-Train ticket and go to the Western Province with Lisa and Colin. I want to take the summer to figure out what to do with my life.”

  “I’m sorry, but no,” my mom says.

  Tucking in my top lip, I count my breaths. I need to act like the mature almost-adult I am if I want her to consider my idea. “Why not?”

  “With the divorce and all…it’s just the wrong time.” Her jaw clenches and she works hard to keep her voice even. “He can come here if he wants to see you.”

  “He always comes here. Besides, he can’t. He’s worried Ashlynn will fight him for custody if he leaves now.”

  My mom tries and fails to hide a smile. She’s never been a fan of my stepmom, but now it appears they’re both on the same side of the “Eddie is a tool” argument.

  My best chance might be to get Joe on my side. I shift my gaze to his dark eyes. “I know you want me to work for you, but it’s not what I want. Katie and Rachel are dying to take over the business someday, and they’ll love every minute of it.” I let out a soft sigh, knowing this is hard for him to hear. “I adore you, Joe. You’ve always treated me as your own daughter, but the truth is Katie and Rachel share your DNA and are more like you because of it.”

  The pain in his eyes comes close to destroying my resolve. The last thing I want to do is hurt him, but I need him to understand. “You’re the only real father I’ve ever known, but sometimes even biological kids aren’t like their parents. Look at me and Mom. In some ways, I’m no more like her than I’m like you.” I pause, gathering my thoughts, desperate to say the words that will make him see. “I have to find what drives me, not take over what drives you.”

  His eyes soften and I give him a small smile before turning back to my mom. Her face is set in a determined scowl. I may have swayed Joe, but my mom is a special kind of stubborn. We need to be alone if I’m going to use the nuclear option.

  I turn back to Joe. “Is Uncle David still here? I need to talk to him about something, too.” He kisses the top of my head before going off in search of his brother.

  With a deep breath, I start my assault. “Please, Mom. I have to do this.”

  “You’re too young to go off by yourself.”

  I stifle a groan. “I won’t be on my own. Lisa and Colin will be with me. And I’m not too young – I’ll be eighteen in four months.”

  “And until then, you’re my responsibility.” Her tone isn’t unkind, but there is an air of finality to it.

  The remnants of hope slip through my fingers, and I reach out to grab them. “I can’t stay here. I’m smothering. I’ve never even been out of the Eastern Province. How am I supposed to figure anything out living this stifled existence?”

  She rolls her eyes. “Aren’t you being a little dramatic, Evan?”

  Probably, but I’ll never admit it. “This is so unfair. You treat me like a child, like I’m going to make the same mistakes you did if you give me even an inch of freedom.”

  Her eyes flash with anger, but her voice remains calm. “I’m sorry you feel that way.” She stands, smoothing the blanket. “I did the best I could.”

  The rigidity of her shoulders and her flat tone tell me I’ve lost, I’ll be stuck here forever. I take one last desperate stab at claiming my own future, hating that she’s left me no choice but to play the wounded child card. “You owe me. I’ve spent the last five years playing catch-up on who I am, but I still need to discover so much about myself.”

  She pauses at the door, her body stiffening. I don’t enjoy throwing this in her face, but it’s true. Sure, Eddie chose a budding music career over family responsibilities, but she made the twisted decision to tell me my father was dead and then lured Joe into going along with the lie. While it’s not her fault Eddie was a deadbeat dad, it is her fault she kept the truth from me for twelve years. If Eddie hadn’t had a sudden attack of guilt a few years back, I still wouldn’t have a clue.

  I used to blame myself, thinking I did something wrong. It took four years of therapy to accept I’m the only one who isn’t to blame in all of this, but I still battle with identity and abandonment issues on a regular basis.

  Mom sinks down on the bed next to me, tears welling up in her beautiful green eyes. “I know.” She lets out a shaky sigh. “It was just you and me until I met Joe. I can’t seem to remember my life without you.”

  I soften a little toward her, but now is not the time to get mushy. “Mom, I’m not leaving f
orever, but I need to find my own place in the world.”

  She chews her lip, one of the few mannerisms I get from her. “This is so sudden, Evan. I’m worried that after what happened, you’re running away.”

  “I’ll admit I’m happy to get away from all the drama here, but I feel more like I’m running toward something.” I reach out and place my hand on hers. “There’s so much more of the Union for me to experience, so many options to explore. I know I can figure out what I’m supposed to do with my life if I just look in the right place.”

  Her gaze drops to our hands for several long moments. She shakes her head. “I’m sorry, Evie, it’s just not a good idea.”

  I close my eyes against the threatening tears, refusing to cry in front of her. Mom leans forward and kisses my head, but I jerk away. She sighs and the bed shifts as she gets up.

  After I hear the door close, I open my eyes and let my anger beat back the tears. This is so unfair, I’ve never had a say in anything in my life.

  When I turn eighteen in September, I’m leaving here and never coming back. I don’t know where I’ll go or what I’ll do, but I am so done with this shit.

  My door opens a few minutes later, and I turn to see my mom standing just inside the door, her shoulders sagging. “You can go. Find whatever it is you’re searching for.” She lets out a shuddering breath. “We’ll upgrade your ticket.”

  A rush of relief runs through me. I can’t believe what just happened. I’m afraid to say something for fear she’ll change her mind. Finally, I whisper, “Thanks, Mom.” But after she leaves my room again, I can’t wipe the goofy grin off my face.

  6

  Running Toward Something

  The stack of clothes on my bed, chosen by my mother, are completely impractical. I toss the lot into my dresser and choose more suitable items along with an assortment of comfortable footwear.

  After packing, I dress in a pair of jeans and tank top, throwing an oversized white T-shirt over it, and manipulating my hair into a loose braid.

  Five weeks after the attack, there are no visible scars. After being released from the hospital, I opted to take the rest of my exams remotely. I didn’t feel like putting up with the stares, whispers, and endless questions about what happened.

  Talking Lisa and Colin into switching to the L-Train was easy. The hard part was telling my uncle to make the deal with Alivia’s dad. I hate that she’s getting off with nothing more than a slap on the wrist, but I chose to do what’s right for me for a change. And right now, that’s getting the hell out of here. A trial would’ve meant staying put for another four months with no guarantee a jury would even believe me.

  My pride and unwillingness to let Alivia get the best of me have driven far too many of my decisions. It’s long past time to clip the strings of anger, bitterness, and resentment and just…let go.

  The high-speed A-Trains run on elevated rails on the top level of the Union; their purpose is fast and efficient travel. The L-Trains, on the other hand, are modern-day cruise ships, gliding along ground level near the coast. They stop numerous times in each province, allowing passengers to disembark and sightsee.

  The terminal is a crazy mess of people waiting to catch the train or pick up arriving friends or family. Two little kids run past followed by their harried parents, attempting to herd luggage and children alike.

  My family is here to see me off, even Barklyn. He sits at my heel, taking everything in. Outwardly, he seems calm but I think he senses something’s up.

  Lisa and her parents join us, which ramps up the anxiety in our group. Mom grips my hand a little tighter, the way a child holds on to the string of a balloon.

  We make small talk until the Jennings show up a few minutes later. Barklyn lets out a yip and runs up to Colin, who bends down to ruffle the fur on his head.

  My heart is racing by the time the train finally rounds the bend and comes into view. I catch my breath at the absolute enormity of it. I’ve only seen them from a distance, but up close it’s a behemoth — the width of at least three A-Trains and twice as tall. While small windows dot the sides of A-Trains, this L-Train is almost entirely windows. The tinted glass begins a foot from the bottom and curves up and over the top.

  It slides to a stop and I move to get in line. Mom pulls me into a tight embrace, crushing me to her until I worry she’ll never let go. Joe pries her from me and gives me one of his abbreviated hugs. “Call us when you get to Lisa’s, let us know you arrived in one piece.” He slips me a wad of cash. “For incidentals…or whatever.”

  “I will, and thanks, Joe.” I wrap my arms around him and fight sudden, unexpected tears. We may not be related by blood, but he’ll always be my dad.

  Standing on the platform with my family for maybe the last time for a while, I can’t help but think about my life with them. I get why my mom didn’t give me Eddie’s last name, but I always wondered why Joe didn’t legally adopt me. The one time I asked, I got a vague answer, and after I found out the truth of my paternity, anger took the place of curiosity.

  I’m a part of my family and they’re a part of me. But I can’t ignore the fact that I’m Evan Taylor. Not Evan Minelli or even Evan McIntyre. This trip might be about finding my future, but it’s also about finding out who I really am.

  I say quick goodbyes to my sisters. We’ve never been particularly close — I’ve always been an outsider in their twindom — but now that I’m leaving, any chance at being closer is probably fading.

  Mom walks back over and takes my face in her hands. “I love you, Evie. I’m going to miss you, but I am so proud of you.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I love you, too.”

  I give Barklyn one last pat on his fuzzy head and queue up. With a cleansing breath, I step onto the train and place my finger on a biometric scanner, confirming my identity. A uniformed porter with a broad smile and a name tag that says “James” greets me.

  James takes my bag and leads me down a hallway through four cars before reaching a room on the right. He scans my fingerprint again and sends a signal to the PrintPad next to the door. When I press my finger on it, it beeps and James pushes the door open.

  My room for the next ten days is as luxurious as it is small. Plush taupe and white furniture sits in the center of the space. Tinted glass wraps two-thirds of the way over the top and is covered with heavy damask drapes. An intricate crystal chandelier hangs in the middle of the room, suspended by a solid pole.

  I push the drapes aside and peer out at the coastline in the distance.

  “Housekeeping will be by this evening to turn down your bed,” James says. I whip around, but it suddenly occurs to me there’s no bed. He smiles. “If you should need to rest before then, press this.” He slides his finger on the control panel embedded into one of the armchairs and taps an icon titled “bed”. He steps to the side as the furniture grouping slides across the floor and a bed unfolds from the wall. He lifts the cushions from the couch. “The pillows are in here.”

  I tear my eyes away from the magical bed long enough to thank and tip James. My smile grows when I turn around and take in my temporary residence. After putting my bed away with another tap on the screen, I work on unpacking until a knock interrupts me.

  Lisa stands on the other side of the door, her dark eyes shining. “Did you see the bed?”

  “Yep! Coolest bed ever. Where’s your room?”

  “A couple of doors down. Colin’s across the hall. Let’s go see what he’s up to.”

  Colin yanks the door open with a broad smile. “This train is wicked.”

  Lisa plops down in one of the armchairs and puts her feet up on the coffee table. “What should we do first?”

  “I want to check this out.” Colin points to a map on his display wall, indicating an area in the middle of the train. I walk over and take a closer look. The A-Train is forty-five cars long with thirty devoted to sleeping and another fifteen housing restaurants, bars, and other assorted entertainment.

  We step into
the hall and get our bearings. We’re in the fifth car, which means we have to walk through ten more sleeping cars before reaching the entertainment zone.

  There are only two doors on either side of the hallway instead of the five the sleeping cars have. Lettering on the doors indicate they lead to restaurants, a coffee shop, bars, nightclubs, shops, and even a gym. The last entertainment car has a small movie theater on one side and a recreation room on the other.

  The smooth floor in the rec room illuminates a patch of light wherever it meets a shoe. It’s a pulsing array of colors with everyone walking among the video game displays, air hockey, foosball, pool tables, and even a string of antique skee ball games. Between the thumping bass, electronic game sounds, and the smacking of wooden pool and skee balls, the place is a steaming pit of sensory overload.

  Once my eyes adjust to the lower light, I spot an insanely attractive guy with messy blond hair standing at one of the foosball tables. He glances up when we near, revealing eyes as blue as the summer sky. He directs a sexy half-smile at Lisa. I turn to see if she’s noticed and based on the way she’s glowing, she has.

  He looks past us and calls out, “Hey, Mike, over here.”

  We make room for Mike to pass, and my heart skids to a stop as I come face to face with Bryce Vaughn.

  7

  Bryce Vaughn

  Bryce halts, his eyes locking onto mine as his brows draw together. He’s the last person I expected to see on this train, and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it. He’s still the most beautiful boy I’ve ever seen, but whatever attraction I felt for him is all jumbled up with Alivia’s boot to my head and two cracked ribs. Someone should clue my body in though, because it’s responding in direct conflict with my brain.

  “Hey, Bryce,” Lisa says. “I thought you were going to the Northwest after graduation.”

  “I am. Decided to take the scenic route.” He inclines his head toward Jack. “Come on, I want you to meet a friend of mine.” We follow him to the foosball table. “Jack, this is Evan, Lisa, and Colin. Guys, this is my friend, Jack.”