Too soon, we’re back at the school
and then we’re walking through
the doors and then we’re inside
Aunt Bee’s office, where everyone
is waiting for us.
Mr. Langley stands.
Charlie and Greg sit in chairs,
but Charlie gets up when
I walk in. Her eyes are
red and puffy.
Aunt Bee wheels her chair around the desk.
Mr. Langley touches her shoulder
before kneeling on the floor
in front of me and Greg.
He looks mostly at Greg, not at me.
I guess I won’t be painting
that building with him anymore.
My chest cramps into a knot.
I wish I had my sketchbook.
Then I would have a place
to hide from all their eyes.
Aunt Bee says.
I already told you,
Greg says. Nothing.
Mr. Langley puts his hand
on Greg’s knee. Let’s hear
from Paulie now, Greg, he says.
I shake my head. I don’t understand
why Greg would protect me.
I don’t understand how he could
still want to, after what I’ve done.
I do understand that I have to
tell the truth now.