3volve Read Online Free Page A

shake my head and walk to the registrar’s office. I see Jeremy and Jeremiah sitting down reading comics, looking bored. I squeeze Jeremy’s shoulder on my way to the desk.
    “Hi, I’m here to pick up my brothers,” I gesture to them sitting behind me.
    “Oh yes, Ms. Escobedo. If you could just sign them out here.” She hands me a red binder. I have to stop myself from cringing at her overuse of perfume and eye shadow.
    “Is there anything else I need to do?” I ask her, trying my best to hold my breath at the same time. Yup, I’m totally throwing up by the end of the day.
    “We will need the…uh… paper, ” she whispers, “but take your time.” She smiles cordially.
    “Thank you.” I gulp, tapping the boys’ comics. “You guys ready?” I force the biggest everything-is-totally-great smile.
    “Why are you here?” Jeremiah asks suspiciously. His eyes staring intently at my face, is making me fully aware of how red and blotchy it must be.
    “Yeah, it’s not Thanksgiving,” Jeremy says, placing his new Batman comics between his textbook.
    “Or Christmas,” Jeremiah finishes.
    “Hell didn’t freeze,” Jeremy laughs.
    “Pigs aren’t flying,” Jeremiah continues. They both high-five, proud of their twinness on display.
    “Ay, niños , enough,” I tell them and kneel in front of them. I can’t take their stupid banter right now. I’m stuck with them, and they’re stuck with me now.
    “Cris what's going on?” Jeremy asks, suddenly serious.
    “What makes you think something is going on huh?” I ask, forcing my irritation deep inside.
    “Because people look like something is going on.” He looks at me obviously annoyed with such a stupid question—teenagers.
    “And you're here,” Jeremiah points out.
    I sigh aloud, “You're right knuckleheads. Something did happen.” I silently prepare myself for telling them.
    “Like what?” Jeremiah asks.
    “You know what we haven’t done in a long time?” I ask them, slapping at their heads.
    “Tell the truth,” Jeremy arches his eyebrows upwards.
    “No, we haven’t—”
    “Cris we aren’t babies,” Jeremy whines.
    “Yeah, just tell us,” Jeremiah urges.
    I lean down in front of them both, placing my hands on a knee. I try to think of how to tell them we are royally fucked. Either way I go, it won’t matter how I say it. I sigh, “I have bad news about Mom and Dad.”
    I close my eyes to push back all the feelings.
    “They're mad because you’re bumming around and can’t keep a job,” Jeremy says and they both laugh.
    “Hey,” I say, seriously wishing I could smack them both in the head like Mom used to do. I pick up their chins so they're both looking at me. “I’m sorry kiddos. I really am, because life just isn’t fair. It’s totally fucked up.” I take a deep breath. “Mom and Dad were in an accident this morning and died.”
    I see tears begin to flood their eyes, finally understanding how screwed we are. They’re stuck with me as much as I am to them. No more snickering and questioning, they both lunge towards me, pushing me back with their weight.
    “I know. Let it out,” I stroke their hair, squeezing them tighter. If only I could reassure them it will be better—get better. But I don’t know if it ever does.
    The counselor approaches us and places two folders on a nearby chair. “I am so sorry for your loss. You have a few days to handle your arrangements without being absent. Then you can bring them on Monday. If there is anything I can do, don’t hesitate to ask.”
    “Thank you.” I take a deep breath and kiss them on the cheek, my anger quickly replaced with pity. “We need to get you home.”
    “Why? Mom and Dad aren't home,” Jeremy sighs, grabbing his backpack.
    “I know,” I reach for the folders and open the door for them to pass. I nod to the counselor and walk after them.
     
    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
     
    The drive home is quiet with plenty of stifled sobs in the back. When we get home, there is a car