Howell waited until Dylan started talking about sports before he let out the breath he was holding. He disliked talking about his home life and eagerly allowed the new topic of conversation to reign supreme. It was not that he did not trust his relatives, but he knew he was already risking a lot.
The danger was very real. If he was found out, then his parents would probably be locked up in a psychiatric hospital again. In fact, Howell would probably end up there as well since he had been seeing things lately.
Visiting his relatives every summer had been a really big risk. Attending a private school was absolutely risky, and adding his cousin into the mix was nearly suicidal. Howell did not want to end up in a mental institution. He knew what those places could be like.
“I really like the block schedule,” Dylan said, pulling Howell from his thoughts. “I mean, an hour and a half of science is going to suck, but only having to do the homework twice a week is really nice.”
“Don’t forget that most of the labs are scheduled on Fridays,” Howell added.
“Gee, thanks,” Dylan scoffed. “I was trying to look on the bright side.”
“Well, labs don’t start this week,” Howell pointed out. “Tryouts do, though. Are you going to do any sports?”
“Well, varsity for the first semester sports has already been decided, except for the running team, but their trials are this weekend.” Dylan dug through the fridge and put together a few sandwiches.
Howell nodded and gratefully accepted the food. “You really have to go to Tarric this weekend?”
“According to my father, moving does not change visitation rights,” Dylan said bitterly. “How can they be his visitation rights when I’m the one who has to do all the traveling?”
“Have you asked?”
“He left no room for protest,” Dylan sighed.
Howell nodded, not pressing the conversation. It was his way of repaying Dylan for dropping the earlier conversation. Following Dylan’s example, Howell changed the topic.
“Where’s your mom and Will?” Howell asked after he swallowed a bite of sandwich.
“They should be home soon,” Dylan answered. “I think they’re figuring out production schedules or some sort of publicity.”
“Publicity,” Uncle Will called out from the door.
“Gee-many…” Dylan practically chocked on his sandwich. “Knock or something. You about gave me a heart attack.”
“All these years and you still can’t hear me open a door?” Will teased.
“You make no noise,” Dylan bantered. “You’re like a ghost. You don’t exist.”
“Oh, that hurt,” Will laughed.
“Enough boys,” Aunt Tabi said as she threw her arms around Uncle Will. “Now, what is my personal chef going to make for dinner?”
“You only married me for my cooking, didn’t you?” Will said with mock hurt.
“You’re good looks also helped.”
“Enough with the sappiness,” Dylan said. “Howe and I are going to play some video games until dinner.”
“Can you stay until dinner?” Aunt Tabi asked. “Do you need to call your parents first?”
“It’s all right,” Howell assured. “I’ll just need to leave right after dinner.”
“If you’re sure it’s all right, then you boys need to do your homework before video games.”
“Yes, mom,” Dylan sighed.
Howell only nodded. He rarely ate well unless someone else fed him, so he was not about to turn down free food. So long as he did not miss any of the monorails within the next three hours then everything would be all right.
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