Killer

4. "Shit."

veronica

***

     Around twenty minutes later there was a knock at my door. When I open it I see Milo, which is what I expected to see, but what I didn't expect was the blood flowing from a gash on his cheekbone.

    "Oh my god, Milo. What happened?" I ask, ushering him through the door.

    "Nothing major. I'm okay. I just got into a fight with my dad and he got a little physical. But it's nothing I can't handle," he tries to smile.

    "I refuse to let you leave my house like that. If you are being hit then you shouldn't be there," I look closer at the gash. "I have plenty of room and it gets a little lonely."

    "I can't do that, Veronica. I'm still a minor. Besides, what would your parents think?"

    "I wouldn't know. I don't talk to them, I moved out the day I turned eighteen."

    "Oh," he says, his gaze softening. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

    I give him a light smile. "It's okay. No one knows. Back to you, don't worry about funds, I have money. I'll help you until you can get on your feet."

    "Thank you, Veronica, but I'm still a minor. I can't just leave," he reminds me.

    I think for a minute. "When do you turn eighteen?"

    "Six months."

    "Tell them you're staying with me to get extra tutoring help. Or just leave and I'll hide you until you turn eighteen."

    "That's not very practical."

    "I know," I sigh. "But it's better than nothing. And I have the room."

    He thinks for a minute and smiles. "Thank you so much, Veronica. You're a lifesaver."

    I give him a dimpled smile. "Always."

    Shit.