Page 1 of Unbalanced

CHAPTER ONE

TWENTY-TWO YEARS AGO

ALDEN

“Maybe up there,” Rob says, pointing as he jumps up and down.

The shelves in our parents’ closet are too high to reach, but those shopping bags may be our Christmas gifts. I turn in a circle, looking for something to stand on. Nothing here, but then I remember the chair from Mom’s vanity. She sits there when she puts on her makeup. I don’t get why she needs all that glittery stuff on her eyes. Girls are confusing.

“Shh, Dad will hear,” Rob scolds me when the chair makes a loud screech as I drag it across the room.

“Then stop being lazy and help,” I snap back.

“You didn’t ask.”

I roll my eyes as he jogs over, and between the two of us, we carry it into the closet. He starts to climb on, but I grab his arm.

“No, I’ll do it.”

“But I want to,” he says.

“I’m taller.”

“So.”

“Duh…” I wave my finger in the direction of the white bags. “Why did we get the chair?”

He crosses his arms.

“Even on the chair, you’re not tall enough.” I pull him off, and he pushes out his lower lip. “Do you want to see the gifts or not?”

He nods as tears fill his eyes.

“Then don’t be a crybaby.”

“I’m not a baby.” Rob stomps his foot. “I’m seven.”

“Then don’t act like one.”

When he doesn’t argue, I step up onto the chair and grab the edge of the plastic bag, pulling it closer. I’ve just gotten both hands on it when I hear Dad’s laughter. I look at Rob.

“Dad’s coming.”

“You’re supposed to be the lookout.”

“I was helping you.”

“That’s so hot.” It’s a girl’s voice this time.

“Mom’s home. We’re dead,” Rob says, but I don’t think that’s Mom.

In fact, I’m pretty positive it isn’t.

“What do we do?” Rob whispers.

Jumping off the chair, I hit the closet light switch and close the door most of the way.

“What if he sees us?”