The whole walk home was a daze. Everything that happened minutes ago seemed extremely unreal and I decided not to think about it. Once I got home safely, I sat down on the floor, leaning back against the movie cabinet. Then the questions came.

How could Jason be Collin’s brother? Is he older or younger? Why did he find me then? What does this have to do with his drugs?

Suddenly, I heard something vibrate across the room. I followed the noise to Jason’s cell phone. He left it along with the key. Yes! But … Collin was calling.

I hesitated, and then answered it but he didn’t speak. “Hello?â€? I whispered, squeezing my eyes closed. Like he could see him. Like he was about to rise and strike me.

“Allie?â€? Collin whispered back. Clearly, this was not what he expected.

Silence. I sighed loudly, “Why, Collin? Why did you do this to me? I … I don’t understand.â€?

“What are you talking about?â€? he snapped.

I screamed at him. “I know Jason’s your brother! So you better start explaining now!â€?