“Nathan and I will explain!” I half shout. “Because . . . ah . . .” I scour my mind for possible excuses as to why it should be us and not them. “Because it’ll show that you’ve all done such a great job bringing me up. I’ll be so, so respectful, I promise.” Nathan squeezes my hand and adds, “Yes, we’ll do it. We’ll make you all proud.” Ma reaches over and pats him on the cheek. “Oh, Nathan, we all so proud of you already.” I don’t know why they’re proud of him but not of me, but whatever. “Thanks, Ma,” says Nathan the suck-up.
