Page 93 of Her Wicked Plan

“No, bud, not today.” I breathe in deeply. “Have you kept up with drawing?”

“Yup! I’m really good. Can I draw you another picture for your arm?”

There might not be a spot for a new tattoo on my arms, but I’m sure I’ll find somewhere to put it. “I would love that!”

“Yay!” He cheers, but his voice gets distant. “Mommy, I have to go draw something for Uncle Leo!”

Chloe laughs. “You know he’s going to draw you more than one thing?”

“Maybe I’ll get them all then.”

“He’s improved… a little.” I can hear the smirk in her voice.

God, I miss them. I have to make sure I can go home for Mom's birthday. “I look forward to seeing his skills at the end of the month.”

“He’ll be happy to see you.” Then she adds quietly, “We all will be.”

There is silence between us. I’m not sure why I’m not saying I’ll be happy to see them, too. I will be, but the words won’t leave my mouth for some reason.

Am I getting choked up since I feel guilty for the time between our visits? Or maybe it’s because I don’t want to give her false hope of me showing up.

A knock sounds in the distance, coming from her front door. Chloe lets out a sigh of annoyance and curses under her breath.

“Jeremy is here. He is taking Carter for the night.”

Her ex. Carter's father.

I hate him.

Jeremy was a dick to Chloe. Hence, they are no longer together. They never were married; thank God because he treated her like shit. He called her names and constantly yelled at her.

She stopped me multiple times from beating his ass. She’s my little sister. I’ll always want to protect her.

“I’ll let you go then,” I finally speak. “Tell the douche I said I hate him.”

“Oh, he knows.” She giggles. “I’ll see you in a couple of weeks, Leo. Love you.”

“Love you too, Chlo.”

She hangs up the phone before I can, and then I’m left alone with silence in my room.

The phone call was a nice distraction, but now, with the quiet eating at my skin, I can’t help but let my mind wander to Veronica.

CHAPTER 25

Veronica

SOLITARY CONFINEMENT: DAY 2 & 3

I’ve spent the last few days sleeping. When I heard the slot open for my food to be delivered, I woke briefly, stared at the tray on the ground, and then went back to sleep. My appetite was shot anyway.

I was at peace when I slept. No dreams, just relaxation. If I were to stay awake, then I’d be in my head, and I didn’t want that to happen. In my mind, it was the last place I wanted to be. I’d overthink things.

Did I see something in the corner? No, that would be ridiculous. What about that noise I just heard that came from under the bed? There are no monsters under the bed, Ronnie. You’re the only monster in here.

Those were my thoughts when I was here before I realized that sleep was the best option. Mind tricks. That’s what this dreary space does to you.

I haven’t cried another tear. I got all that out of the way on the first day. Now, my eyes are dry, and they couldn’t produce any more tears if they wanted to.