One More Step Read Online Free Page B

the rest of the night in the emergency room. Chris had a cast on up to his waist.
    The ski trip? It was pretty much down the toilet.
    â€œHarmless drunk, huh?” I said when we finally got to bed.
    I waited for him to try and put a positive spin on this.
    â€œChris?”
    â€œHe’s an idiot, okay? Just leave me alone.”
    Then he turned his back to me. And cried like a little boy. I couldn’t handle it.
    â€œChris? I got it all on videotape. Maybewe could send it in to that show? You know, funny home videos? I mean it was pretty funny to watch.”
    â€œYeah. Real hilarious. Ho, ho, ho.”

Chapter Seven
    â€œGuess what, Mom?”
    I phoned her first thing next morning. I think she was still in bed. With Jean-Paul.
    I’m not sure why I phoned. To make her miserable, I guess.
    She didn’t say anything when I told her the story. “So now, I have to stick around Lego Land for a week. Chris wants us to go anyway but no way, I’m not going without him.”
    â€œLet me to talk to Chris,” she said. I handed over the phone.
    â€œI’m fine, really, Mom. Fine. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, he was.”
    I could hear Mom’s voice from where I was standing. Chris winced and held the receiver away from his ear.
    â€œNo, Mom. Not a good idea. No. Dad probably wouldn’t want to talk to you right now. Mom! No, I won’t tell him to eat mud. Calm down.” Long pause. “Gee, thanks Mom, but I’ll stick around here. Becca’s coming to visit today. She’ll be a good nurse. Sure, I’ll put him back on.”
    As he handed me the phone back he said, “Hell hath no fury like our mother pissed at our father!”
    â€œJulian?” Her voice was hoarse. “Want to go to Quebec City with us today?”
    I stared at Chris.
    â€œGo!” he mouthed. I shrugged.
    â€œI dunno,” I said.
    â€œWell, if you did know, what would your answer be?”
    â€œI guess.”
    â€œTerrific! We’re leaving in an hour. Be ready.”
    â€œIt’s better than sticking around Lego Land,” said Chris.
    â€œBut you’re not coming?”
    â€œHello!” He pointed to his cast. “A long car trip? No, thanks!”
    Telling Dad I was taking off was nasty.
    â€œYou’re leaving? Just like that?” His face was twisted with anger.
    â€œI’ll be bored out of my head if I stay.” I didn’t look at him.
    â€œWe can still go snowmobiling, Jules.” He sounded hopeful.
    â€œEvery day? I don’t think so. Look, Dad, I gotta pack up, okay?” Why didn’t he just let it go? Why not take the hint?
    â€œNo. It’s not okay. You’re not going.” He used the voice.
    â€œExcuse me?”
    â€œYou heard me. I said no.”
    â€œYou can’t tell me what to do!”
    â€œOh yes I can—I’m your father!”
    â€œSince when?” It slipped out.
    â€œLook at me!” he yelled. I didn’t.
    â€œJulian, I said look at me.” No way would I.
    His fist found the wall. He punched a hole right through.
    â€œWay to go,” I muttered under my breath.
    The house was suddenly stone still.
    â€œThis is my week, not your mother’s.”
    â€œWell, maybe you should have thought of that last night.”
    â€œShit happens, Julian.”
    â€œTell me about it.”
    â€œI said you’re staying. Stop packing.”
    â€œWhat are you going to do? Make me?” I couldn’t resist.
    He grabbed the handle of my gym bag. I pulled back.
    â€œStop it now, you two, stop it!” It was Erika. She was standing in the doorway rocking Maddie back and forth. Maddie’s eyes were wide as pie plates.
    They were there in the nick of time. I think we were getting ready to punch each other out.
    â€œSorry,” I said to her. “But I’m outta here.” I shoved the rest of my clothes into my bag and brushed past all of them. Erika reached out and