“Thank you, S.”
“S?” I question.
“Well, if we’re going to be friends, we have to have nicknames. You can call me V, and I’ll call you S.” Her smile is blinding.
“All right, V. Is this heart-to-heart over? Can we go inside now?”
She laughs. “Mom is probably waiting for us. Let’s go tell her about the party Friday.”
I shake my head but follow her into the house.
As if on cue, Alice calls out as soon as we’re through the door. “Girls, is that you?”
“Yes, Mom.” Victoria gives me an “I told you so” look.
“I’m in the kitchen,” Alice calls back.
We enter the kitchen to find her pulling a tray of cookies out of the oven. She turns and grins at us.
“I thought you girls would enjoy an after-school snack.”
“Yes! Mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies.”
Victoria’s good mood is contagious. After handing me a cookie, she grabs her own and takes a large bite. I don’t bother hiding my smile at the pure joy on her face.
“Thank you, Mom,” she moans around cookie.
“Anytime, dear.” She beams at her daughter. It reminds me a lot of my relationship with my own mother.
“Yes, thank you, Alice. They’re delicious,” I say after I take a bite of my own cookie.
“You’re welcome, Sage.” She turns to the fridge and pulls out the milk before grabbing three glasses and pouring some into each one. She then hands us each a glass before grabbing the plate and taking it to the table in the corner, the same one we ate breakfast at.
"You do drink milk, right?" Alice asks.
"Yes."
"Oh good. I just realized I don't know if you have any allergies or a dairy intolerance or anything," she word vomits.
"As far as I know, no allergies and no intolerances."
"Great." Alice beams.
One thing is for sure, she’s trying.
“So, Sage, how was your first day?” she asks.
Victoria grins at me but says nothing.
“It was good. I think this finishing class is ridiculous though.” I wrinkle my nose.
Alice chuckles. “I hated that class in school. Your mother did too. It’s the school’s way of making sure you kids are ready to enter society. Wait until the ball at the end of the year.”
Alice sobers as she realizes what she has said. I don’t plan to be here by then. She shakes her head, then brings her eyes back to mine. “Are there any classes you do enjoy?”
“AP English. I love reading and writing, and the teacher seems to care about teaching us. She actually gave us an assignment that I’m excited about.”
“Really? That’s great. What’s the assignment?”
“We have to write about a moment in our life that’s truly affected us. I plan to write about my mom.”
She gives me a sad smile. “That sounds wonderful, honey. I’m glad you had a good day. What about you, Victoria?”
“Same shit, different day.”
“Language, young lady!” her mom chastises, then giggles. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”
“Love me.” Victoria winks at her mom. “Sage was invited to a party today.”
Alice’s gaze is drawn back to me. “Whose attention did you catch?”
“I wouldn’t say I caught anyone’s attention. Tinsley invited me when she came to talk to Victoria at lunch. I’m sure she was only being nice.”
“Well, that’s good. It’ll be good for you to make friends.” Alice shrugs.
“The party is Friday, Mom. I know you planned dinner with Dad, but do you think we can rain check it? I don’t want Sage to miss out on her first school party.”
Alice narrows her eyes at Victoria, then turns to me. “Do you want to go to this party?”
I don’t glance at Victoria. I know her eyes will be pleading with me. “I don’t mind going. It wouldn’t hurt to meet people, like you said.” She still looks like she’s questioning my words when I decide to throw in what we came up with at lunch. “Besides, V and I need some more cousin time. I think it would be a good bonding activity for us.”
As soon as I use Victoria’s nickname, Alice softens. “That does sound good. We can do dinner next week. I think you girls will have so much fun. You should go shopping tomorrow and buy a new outfit for the party.”
“That’s a great idea, Mom.” Victoria turns to me. “I know all the best shops. Oh, and we can get our nails done. It’s about time for mine anyways.”
“I don’t really need new clothes. I have some. Besides, the whole pampered lifestyle isn’t me.” At the crestfallen look on Victoria’s face, I add, “But I’ll go with you so you can find something. I think that would be fun.”
She grins. “It will be. You’ll change your mind once you see the shops. They’re the nicest.”
I wish I could be as happy as Victoria. It appears nothing gets her down for long. She bounces right back.
“Where is this party?” Alice asks.
“It’s the back-to-school bash for the public school kids.”
Dread enters my system at her words. “Bash” sounds awfully crowded.
“You mean those brothers of Tinsley’s are actually letting her go to a party?” Alice’s words surprise me. Who knew she kept track of the high school gossip?
V rolls her eyes. “Shocking, I know, but she’s a sophomore, so….”
Alice chuckles. “That’s very true. Well, I should let you girls get to your homework. I’ll start dinner.” She stands up and walks around the table to kiss Victoria on the head. She continues around the table and does the same to me. I close my eyes and let the warmth fill my heart. The move reminds me of my mother, and it makes me miss her.
“You girls will have fun. If you find anything you want tomorrow, Sage, have Victoria put it on her card. I’ll pick you up a card soon so you can have access to your own money.”
“That’s not necessary. You gave me everything I need.”
“Nonsense. You shouldn’t have to walk around without money.”
I consider her words. She’s right. Maybe one of these shops tomorrow will be hiring so I can get a job and make my own money.
“Don’t argue with her, S. She always wins. Just smile and nod. It’s the only option,” Victoria whispers to me.
“Thanks, Alice. I would love that,” I respond and wink at Victoria.
If only they knew my plans.
Chapter Three
When I woke up this morning, a feeling of dread had settled in my chest. A restless night of sleep resulted in a small headache forming in the front of my head. But that wasn’t the only cause of my tight chest.
Images from my nightmare creep in.
“Come, little fox. Let’s have some fun.” Flirty green eyes stare at me as the man in question starts to circle me.
His amused gaze follows my movements as I take an involuntary step backward.
“You can run, but you can’t hide.”
I turn to flee but run into a hard chest. Glancing up, I meet another pair of familiar green eyes. These hold no humor though.