Free Meg at Sixteen by Susan Beth Pfeffer

dead. At least when you’re dead, you can be quiet and nobody minds. Uncle Marcus has a house in Newport, that’s where they summer, and I got up very late at night, and put on my bathing suit and went swimming. It’s a big ocean. I figured there was plenty of water to swallow me up.”
    â€œDid you change your mind?” Nick asked.
    â€œI got rescued,” Meg said. “There was a couple on the beach and they saw me and swam out and rescued me. I was too tired to fight, too helpless. Afterward, they kept me in bed for a few days, and all kinds of doctors checked me over, and then Uncle Marcus decided I was his first defeat, and I went to live with Aunt Grace.”
    â€œYou fool,” Nick said. “Didn’t you know I’d come?”
    â€œDid you know about me?” Meg asked.
    Nick took Meg by the hand and embraced her. Meg felt the warmth of his body against hers, and the past five years held no more pain.
    â€œVery pretty,” Clark said. “But you can see now she’s damaged goods. Why don’t you try your luck again with Isabelle Sinclair. Bag boys can’t have half your charm.”
    â€œThey have twice yours,” Nick said. “Daisy, there’s so much we need to talk about. There’s so much I want to do for you.”
    â€œYou’ve done it already,” Meg replied. “You’ve loved me.”
    â€œWait a second,” Clark said. “Lots of people love you, Meg. They may not call you Daisy but they love you. And they know you, too, and have the same values you have. The only thing he values is a dollar bill.”
    Nick turned to face Clark. “Who are you, anyway?” he asked. “You keep showing up, like a recurring nightmare.”
    â€œI am a nightmare,” Clark said. “I’m your conscience, Sebastian, if that’s what your name really is. I’m also Meg’s protector, and don’t you forget it.”
    â€œIt’s Clark something, isn’t it,” Nick said.
    Meg laughed. “His name is Clark Bradford,” she said. “And he’s a friend of mine.” She paused for a moment. “He really is,” she said.
    Nick looked Clark over. “I didn’t realize he was someone you cared about,” he said. “I’m sorry, Clark, if I’ve offended you in any way.” He stuck his hand out for Clark to shake.
    Clark stared at Nick and moved away from him. “You’ve offended me in every conceivable way,” he declared. “I’d sooner die than shake your hand.”
    â€œFair enough,” Nick said, putting his hand down. “But if you change your mind, let me know. I want to like the people Daisy likes. I never want there to be any conflict between us.”
    â€œI’ll like your friends too,” Meg said.
    â€œI don’t have friends,” Nick said.
    â€œThat I can believe,” Clark said. “That’s probably the first honest thing he’s ever told you.”
    â€œGo,” Meg said to Clark. “I don’t know what you think you’re accomplishing here, but all you’re doing is making me angry. Go home and play with your train set.”
    â€œI haven’t played with my train set in three years!” Clark said. “And I’m not leaving you alone with Mr. Friendless over here. You may think you’re safe, but I know you’re not, and I won’t leave the two of you alone.”
    â€œYou’re not my chaperon, Clark,” Meg said.
    â€œI’m your guardian angel,” Clark replied. “You might as well go, Sebastian. I’m sticking with Meg like glue.”
    â€œHe loves you,” Nick said. “I’m glad. He can watch out for you if something happens to me.”
    â€œSomething’s going to happen if you don’t get out of here,” Clark said.
    Meg held Nick’s hand. “There’s so much more,” she said.
    â€œWe have