the cross hanging on a long gold chain around

ts might scare off his first chance to make a friend. But Nick Blood

lded his arms across his chest again creating a cl

ited to stay in the same place for a while.” Nick tossed his duffel bag onto the left bed

ou didn’t want to follow in those footsteps?” Mr. Burke pulle

le, certainly. However, I felt

What are your career aspira

ant to be a high school history teacher.” N

rugs? Go to church?” At that last word, Nic

oice was calm and crisp. He maintained strong eye cont

uffed and frowned. Nick

nd out for a fist bump. Jonah smiled and knocked it. Mrs. Burke frowned harder but reached in

nly in explanation and warning. “I gave Jonah a m

” Nick winked subtly at Jonah who stifled a la

ank

d red and she did her b

ol you attended but being late isn’t something the real world tolerates.” Jonah’s mot

are professional college students now,” Mr. Burk

ressed the importance of punctuality.” The s

the next flight over to take you straight home. Be sure to chec

he painted smile sta

do all that,” Jonah

again. Mrs. Burke huffed. Jonah stood up and hugged both his parents goodbye. Nick sto

of earshot down the hall, Nick turne

e get to know eac