“Maybe you’ll enjoy it more if you aren’t so worried about getting into pilot training.”
Charles had done that. For me. And because it was him, I could trust that there really would be spot waiting for me. Now I really did want to hug him. “What about you?”
His gaze turned thoughtful. “Like you said, we have to finish school. I may go back to Mars to do it, though. Start really learning the system there. After that, maybe I’ll run for a spot on the governing council.”
“But you’re only seventeen, they’ll never go for it!”
“Twenty Earth standard is the minimum age. That’ll give me a few years to prepare. And someone has to stand up to Mother.”
I really wanted to watch that fight. But I wasn’t happy, because the future had suddenly become a huge, unmanageable void. Flight school, what I always wanted. Why was I suddenly scared?
“But Charles, what am I going to do without you watching my back?”
He smiled. An actual, real, nonsmirky, honest-to-goodness smile. And then it was gone. Like someone flashing a strobe light. “I’m sure we’ll come up with something.”
“I’m glad you’re my brother. Thanks.”
“Polly.” He came to the head of the bed, leaned over, and kissed my forehead. He turned and walked out of the room without looking back.
Our twin telepathy still didn’t work right, but I was pretty sure that meant he was glad he was my brother, too.