Sanctuary Read Online Free PDF Page A

confused and frustrated compatriots.
    Katie Lopez walked into my living room and said, “Hi boys!”
    I dropped my controller and stood up. Cory and Lee said, “Hey” over their shoulders but otherwise didn’t budge.
    “Hi Katie,” I said.
    “You guys having fun?”
    “I’m winning.”
    “Wow,” she said sarcastically. “That’s so great you’re winning at video games.”
    “I think so.”
    She beckoned with her finger and said, “Can we talk? In the hall?”
    “Absolutely,” I said, my heart suddenly pounding like a drum. I had to be careful, because sometimes my body swelled when I was nervous and I wasn’t wearing my loose shirt or shoes. “It’s nice to see you. Finally. Are you on your way to the press conference?”
    “Yes. How do I look?”
    “Desirable.”
    “Chase,” she said quietly and stepped closer. “You should know. I think about our conversation. Every minute.”
    I didn’t know what to say so I nodded.
    “Life has been crazy since he woke up, but…I’ve thought about you. A lot. You’re everything to me.”
    “Thanks. I know.”
    “I haven’t forgotten,” she said. “And I won’t forget. And we’ll talk soon. About all this.”
    “You don’t need to worry about me. I’m not going anywhere.”
    “I really want you to write me that letter,” she smiled. “I check for it every day.”
    “I will,” I grinned. “I’m just not sure how to phrase ‘I love you for every reason.’”
    She smiled wider. “Do Cory and Lee know that…that you love me?”
    “They know. I think everyone knew but you.”
    The front door opened, spilling in sunlight, and Samantha walked in.
    “Hi Katie,” she said. “You look hot! Oh…you’re going to Tank’s press conference… Well, have fun with that.” She slammed the door and stomped upstairs.
    “Thanks,” Katie called after her. “Nice to see you too, Samantha.” She paused and then whispered, “Why is she going upstairs?”
    I said, “Oh right, I didn’t tell you. Samantha lives here now.”
    “ What ?”
    “Yeah! Cool, huh?” I grinned.
    “Why is…what’s….why?”
    “She’s homeless! I had no idea. She’s been living in her truck this whole time.”
    “ So ?” Katie said, peering up the staircase. “What’s wrong with that?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “She’s staying in the guest room,” she said slowly.
    “Right.”
    “The room beside your bedroom.”
    “Right,” I said again. “Perfect, huh?”
    “Yes,” Katie said. “Perfect. For her. I’m so glad to hear she has a place to sleep now. Here, with you.”
    “Dad thinks it’s weird,” I admitted.
    “How…closed-minded of him. Chase, I have a great idea,” she said. “Samantha should come stay with me!”
    “But you don’t have a guest room,” I frowned.
    “Right, but I don’t mind. It’d be fun! I like Samantha.”
    “Where would she sleep?”
    “On the floor. I mean, I would sleep on the floor and she can have my bed,” she said.
    “Well…I can ask her…”
    “No,” she said, shaking her head. “That’s…I can…I mean, I think I’m just…wow, I can’t believe she’s sleeping here.”
    “Are you okay?”
    “I…I have to go, or…it’s time for me to go,” she laughed nervously. “Yeah. I’ll call you later. Or text you. I’ll text you.”
    She left in a rush, and I strolled back into the living room.
    “Yo, she going to the interview now?” Lee asked. Lee is one of my closest friends. He’s a stereotypical Asian math genius, and he also obsesses over the mysterious Outlaw, to the extent that he designed the Outlaw’s vest.
    “Yes,” I said and I sat down with a big exhalation.
    “She cold,” Cory rumbled. Cory is my other best friend. He’s a mountain of a man that will play offensive line in college football one day.
    “No,” I said. “She’s conflicted.”
    “Dude, I wish Tank had just died , yo,” Lee proclaimed, eyes glued to the screen. “Everything would be better.”
    “We can’t