I walk out of her room and away because, although I selfishly want her to stay here with me, I know this is something she needs to do. I can only hope the time with her family doesn’t break her down further.
Chapter 16
Hayleigh
4weeks later…
Morgana lied, and I should’ve known.
My own mother lied to get me back home.
My dad was never ill, and now that I’m here, I can’t leave. I mean, sure, I could walk out the door, but that doesn’t help Thea. She’s the only reason I didn’t turn right back around and go home.
To my real home, where Nate is. Poor Nate, that I haven’t been able to ring or text because I can’t bring myself to face whetherrunning away has ruined my chances, but it doesn’t mean I haven’t kicked myself every night since.
Thea bangs open my door. “If I have to listen to mothers' incessant ramblings about whether or not we serve the Robinsons Champagne or Cava one more time, then I may sprinkle some arsenic into her evening brandy.”
“Oh, Thea, hello there. Do come in, make yourself at home.” I wave my hand around the room as she looks at me like I have three heads.
“Did you not hear me?” Sometimes she is so literal.
“Oh, I heard you, alright. Be careful, though, you shouldn’t really be telling people of your plans to kill your mother; you should just do it.”
She shakes her head. “You’re very strange sometimes.” She sits, her back ramrod straight and crosses one knee over the other. “What are you looking at?”
I wave my phone and snatch it back before she can see. “Seven-foot blue aliens with dicks the size of tennis rackets who rail human women…” I sneak a look at her face and burst out laughing at the horrified expression plastered across it.
“I’ve decided I don’t want to know. Help me with our mother.”
Sighing, I close my blue alien smut. “What do you need me to do?” But she doesn’t get to answer because, in that moment, Morgana bursts through the door, her eyes looking wildly around as a stray lock of hair falls out of place.
“Sure, come in. Nice to have you.” I deadpan, but my mother ignores me.
“There you are. Really, Thea. We have aweddingto prepare for; it’s irresponsible for you to be running off at every given moment.” Her gaze cuts to me. “And you, what is it you’re doing exactly?” The disdain for me drips from her lips, but I’m used to it.
Thea’s shoulders drop and her eyes dim.That,I won't have.
Well, mother, I’m reading about great big, blue alien cocks.
Of course, I don’t say that. So, I smile. “Thea was telling me that she has an appointment at the salon. I’m going to get her out of your hair so you can concentrate on what you need to do here.” I turn to Thea. “Ready?” She’s quick on the take and nods.
Our mother narrows her eyes at us before pasting on a smile. “How wonderful. Thea dear, nothing too drastic, we don’t want you spoiling your looks on the big day, best to keep it at a trim.” She gives me one last scathing look before turning on her heel and storming out of the room. We follow straight after and head to my car.
As I climb in and turn the key in the ignition, my phone rings, so I press answer on the hands-free. “Hello?”
“Big blue alien dicks are among us!” Archie’s voice rings out loud, and I can’t help but burst out laughing as Thea makes a strangled sound.
“Archie, you’re on speaker phone.” I giggle as I put the car in reverse.
He snorts on the other end of the line. “Whoops. Hi, I’m Archie, the boy best friend.”
I roll my eyes and look to Thea to see the side of her mouth twitch. “Hello, I’m Thea. Hayleigh’s sister.”
“Archie, did you want something other than big, blue alien dicks?”
He sniggers on the line. “I’m checking that you’re still coming back next week for when Lacey and Cole get home?”
I don’t look at Thea. “Yeah, I’ll be coming back for that, but…”
