Page 120 of Grown

“I’m good,” I squeak, heart thumping. “Be right there.”

Knees giving out, I collapse against the wall. Chinese food will buy me at least three extra minutes. The watch has to be here.

But what if his dad drops by?

Quickly, I rummage through hampers, dressers, and suitcases. Just as I’m about to give up, I spot another set of drawers by the nightstand. First one, papers. Second one, boxers. I scoop them to the side, finger flicking against something hard. I yank the drawer out farther.

Korey’s watch ticks back at me.

With a tissue off the nightstand, I grab the watch just as the door swings open.

“What are you doing?”

Derrick’s mouth hangs open, stunned to silence, and I’m momentarily relieved it’s him and not Richie. He stares at thewatch dangling in my hand, then at me.

“Derrick... it’s not what you think...”

As I explain everything, the color drains from his face. He blinks twice and shakes his head.

“Nah. Pops and Korey... they’ve known each other forever. Korey is like a little brother to him! He wouldn’t do that.”

“He would for Jessica. He would do anything for her. You told me that.”

A coating of realization melts into his skin, weighing him down. He leans on the door for support.

“Look,” he mumbles. “I don’t want to call the cops... so I think you should just leave whatever it is you found and go.”

“But, Derrick, Ineedthis watch. I need to prove that it wasn’t me!”

“So you’re gonna set up mypopsinstead?”

“No, no. Not set up... I saw Korey wearing it.”

His face darkens. “And no one is going to believe you.”

Cold sweat trickles down my back. “Derrick, I thought you were my friend.”

“Put the watch down, Enchanted,” he says, his voice clipped. “Even if you did take it, it wouldn’t be enough to save you. He can just say Korey gave it to him. He was with him that day—easy alibi.”

The key to freedom ticks in my hand.

“But I...”

“It’s over, Enchanted. Don’t pull my pops down with you.”

In an instant, I know: no matter what I say, Derrick will always pick his father over me. I drop the watch. Along with my hopes.

“He’s still my dad,” he says to the floor as I pass. “Wouldn’t you do anything to save your family?”

I give him one last look before heading out.

Derrick. Another apple that doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Chapter 84

How to Watch the Sun Rise

AN OPEN LETTER FROM KA