Free jinn 03.5 - without a map by Liz Schulte Page A

chance at a normal life where I didn’t have to be afraid all the time, shouldn’t I take it?
    “Laugh all you want. Remember what happened when Jonathan Danley asked you out?”
    Jonathan Danley. I hadn’t thought about him in years. His was my first and last kiss. Some girls had dads who talked to their suitors, others made funny passive aggressive threats, but not mine. One little kiss on the cheek from the next door neighbor that Dad happened to witness and the next day the family announced they were moving to another state and were gone by sundown. “Dad swore he had nothing to do with it.”
    “Come on. That had him written all over it. Even mom didn’t believe him. You know what he can do.” A smile was dancing in Baker’s lively eyes. “Face it, sis. If you ever want a life, you’ll have to cut the cord.”
    “Oh, like you’ll with mom?” I raised an eyebrow. Baker was all wild and tough until Mommy came home, then he was angel. “Give me back my book.”
    “What if I get her permission?” he said, still not relinquishing my textbook.
    I sighed. “If Mom agrees—which she won’t—I’ll take you on a road trip. Now can I have my book?”
    “Done.” Baker slapped the book on the counter and stretched before crossing his arms over his chest.
    Seconds later, Mom appeared, kissing each of us on the top of the head. She was here, but she was also somewhere else. I couldn’t say exactly how I knew that, but I did. I could always tell when she was split between here and somewhere else. It was sixth sense, I guess. I had a few of them where the Abyss and magic were concerned. Probably evolutionary to help ensure I survive.
    “What’s going on? How was school?” she asked, stealing one of my carrots that I had completely forgotten were there. “How’d your tests go today?”
    “Aced them,” I said. “Only one more.”
    Her smile was so bright she practically glowed—the way she did when dad touched her. “I’m so proud of you.” She hugged me tight then looked over at Baker and perched a hand on her hip. “You’re up to something, aren’t you?”
    He blinked angelically at her. “Who me? I was just waiting for you to come home.”
    She laughed. “Out with it, kid.”
    “Well, since you mentioned it. There is something. It’s actually for Charlie.” Mom glanced at me and I rolled my eyes. “She needs to have more fun.”
    Mom looked at me, clearly amused. “Are you lacking in fun?”
    “Let me translate. He wants to go on a road trip. Well, what he actually wanted was to leave you and Dad a note and for us to ‘split’. He said it’d be fun to ‘go on the lamb’. Have you been letting him watch old movies again?”
    She pressed the back of her hand over her mouth, definitely covering a smile. “Under no circumstances are either of you allowed to go on a road trip without at least asking or telling us in person. A note is insufficient, Baker. Do you understand?”
    “Well, we didn’t actually do it. What’s the big deal?” He shrugged. “Look, this isn’t about me. It’s about her. She’s the most boring teenager in the history of teenagers ever to have lived. That’s a long time and a lot of boring. She needs some life experiences or how will she ever relate to real people. Besides, it’s summer and we’re not kids anymore. Shouldn’t we be allowed to spread our wings?”
    She gave him her best stern look, which wasn’t all that stern. “Summer doesn’t start until school lets out.” She took a deep breath, running her hand through her hair. “Where do you want to go?”
    “Just Chicago.” He slung an am over her shoulders. “How much trouble could we get into? There’s like a million people you know in that city. I’ll be good, I swear.” He crossed his heart with this finger.
    She looked at me and I shook my head then she looked back at Baker. She took a deep breath and put her arm around his waist. “I can probably talk your dad into a weekend, no