The Undesirable (Undesirable Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

words tumbled out between us like marbles on a kitchen floor. “We have to go to The Count tomorrow, and then to Coleman Athletic,” I stammered. “And th—the—they didn’t tell us much about it.”
    “And?”
    “So what do you know? Do you know what will happen tomorrow?” My breath quickened and my stomach twisted. “I’ve been sitting here thinking about it, and I’m just worried. I have a bad feeling about it.” I bit my lip. “So, do you know what’s going to happen?”
    Fostino looked at me for what felt like fifteen minutes. When he opened his mouth, his words came out hushed too. “Yes, Charlotte. I do.”

CHAPTER FOUR

    I gulped. Hard. “So… what’s going to happen?” I leaned in closer to him and put my weight on my left leg.
    “We found out about it yesterday during drill. They told us not to say anything to anyone.” Fostino clenched his jaw and covered his mouth with his left hand.
    “Really? That bad?” My voice trembled behind the question. 
    “It’s bad — worse than bad,” he said. “They’ll decide stuff during The Count tomorrow morning. They—they don’t want people working in the factory they think can’t get what we need done.” He buried his head in his hands before I heard a long sigh. Then he continued in the stillness of the night.
    “Some people will die. And if you think tomorrow will be the end of it? Nope. I think it’s going to get worse and worse and worse and then—” He broke off and choked up more. 
    I gawked at him, unable to process what he said. My mouth went dry. My eyes tightened, then strained as my heart quickened. A cold sweat trickled down my neck. Last night’s dinner rose to the back of my throat. 
    Oh, no.
    “How many people? How many? Who?”
    “I don’t know. I wish I did.” He lifted his head and shrugged. “Listen. This is serious. Whatever you do, pass The Count tomorrow. Make them think you’re fit for work, that you’ll sew more shirts than they’ll ever need, and you’re a true believer.” He put his hand on my arm — the first time he ever touched me. “Please.”
    “But why would you tell me this, Fostino?” I spit out the words like bullets as I pulled away. I thought I wanted this information, but now just wished for ignorance. “You don’t even know me.”
    He grabbed my arm and frowned. His face came within a half inch of mine. “Well, you asked. And because, well, it’s better now that I’ve told someone. I’m glad I got to tell you. I’ve been trying talk to you—”
    Did I see confusion on his face?
    “Wait. Didn’t you tell your parents?” I interrupted him in my quietest voice possible. My eyes narrowed. His parents owned Centre Towne Market, the central convenience store in Harrison Corners. “Don’t you have a sister? What about them?”
    “I tried. I tried last night to tell them. And I think they listened. I don’t know. They act pretty upset these days and worry about Farrah. She is only eight. Oh God…” He broke off again and turned his head away from me. I heard resignation in his answer. 
    My mind flashed to his sister. I had seen her a few times, maybe five, always playing outside his parents’ store. Black hair tumbled down her back in thick waves and her wide grey eyes made her seem older. I never saw her smile.
    “It’s okay,” I said to fill the silence. Of course, we both knew that things were not okay — not at all.
    Fostino flexed his jaw. “She’s a good kid. Strong. I told her she has to present herself well. I know they will take some kids. I think they’ll take her. She can work. She’ll do it. She has to do it.”
    “I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.” As soon as I said it, my callousness shamed me.
    When did I turn so cold?
    “Come on. It’s getting late. They’ll search for me if I don’t head back soon.” Fostino stood up. He wiped his hands on his dark brown cargo pants before reaching a hand down to me.
    I put my hand in his and hoisted myself