Chapter 16

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They stood in line, waiting for their turn at the amusement park’s ticket booth. It was an overcast day, and Billy was glad for it, because he was already starting to sweat a little. He’d been trying to read Xavier’s expression, but Xavier was being even more quiet than usual.

They’d met at the Saint-Helen metro station a few minutes ago, and the moment Billy had glimpsed Xavier’s face, he’d known something was wrong. What had happened to Xavier this morning? Had he had another fight with his aunt? This week, over the phone, Xavier had opened up to him about his troubled relationship with her and Billy was concerned for his self-esteem. How could his aunt keep insulting Xavier that way?

It was an unhealthy living situation and he wished he could do more for Xavier.

Finally, it was their turn at the booth, but after they’d purchased their day pass, Xavier walked through the turnstile, without so much as a look back at him. He seemed really troubled.