Chapter 23 - Lucas and JordanLucas met Jordan at a basketball court.
No adults.
Just two boys whose lives had been forced together by someone else’s obsession.
Lucas said:
“I still hate that I lost.”
Jordan nodded.
“You should.”
Lucas looked surprised.
“You worked for it.”
“So did you.”
“Yeah.”
They sat on the bleachers.
Lucas admitted he had known the interview questions gave him an advantage.
“I could’ve refused.”
“You were thirteen.”
“So were you.”
That answer stayed between them.
Lucas was not innocent in every choice.
But neither was he responsible for his mother’s violence.
Jordan understood something he had struggled with for months.
Accountability could be precise.
You did not have to turn everyone connected to the villain into a villain too.
Before leaving, Lucas said:
“My mom still says you ruined her.”
Jordan looked toward the empty court.
“No.”
May you like
He stood.
“She ruined herself.”
