Page 127 of Pretty Thing

Felix smiles so wide you’d think I’d given him the best gift in the world.

“We better get to the police station and see what they want.”

God…will this nightmare never end?

felix

I breathe a sigh of relief when the cops have no interest in talking to me. But I really don’t like that they took Eden in to speak with her alone.

Ding.

I glance down, and it’s Eden’s phone, not mine. A message from Kris

Kris: Please say yes.

Please say yes to what?

I don’t trust either of them at this point. I open Eden’s phone to skim through the last few days of conversation. My anger is quick as I read over Kris telling Eden that she belongs with them, or their parents, because they are family.

Family? Are you fucking kidding me?

I’m her fucking family.

Kris: I know you read my message, just say yes.

Fuck. I glance over at the door where they took Eden, but I don’t see anyone coming through the small glass pane. I copy and paste a text from earlier.

Eden: No, I’m happy with Felix, but I appreciate the offer.

Kris: Uh…why are you being so stubborn? You barely know him, and now you’ve moved in with him.

I really want to write, “Why are you being such a cunt and trying to take away the only slice of happiness your friend has?” But obviously, I can’t, so I keep it simple.

Eden: Because I love him, and I trust him even if you don’t.

Kris: Love????? OMG! Girl, please just get to know him better. That’s all I’m asking.

Eden: I do know him, Kris. And if you keep bugging me, I can’t talk to you anymore. I’m struggling enough as it is without arguing with you all the time.

Kris: Fine, I’ll stop pushing. I’m just worried that you’re moving way too fast.

Eden: It only seems fast to you because you’ve been so set that he’s a bad guy.

Kris: Maybe, but what about school? Are you going to rebuild your house? Are you going to travel like you wanted? You always said you wanted to go to Costa Rica or Hawaii to see the sea turtles? Have you thought about any of the things you used to love and want to do?

Eden wants to go to Costa Rica or Hawaii…good to know. I file that away for later.

I type out an angry response, but my thumb hovers over send. No, this is Eden. What I want to say is too harsh. I quickly delete it and tone it down.

Eden: I will in time, but I’m still healing. I just got my cast off today, and my house is still smoldering. Can you give me a little space to breathe…please.

Kris: You’re right…I’m so sorry. My Type-A personality is showing again. Hugs girl.

Eden: Hugs.

I quickly change her settings so that any deleted messages won’t show and immediately delete the entire conversation. This way Kris will just look crazy if she says we talked about this.

Taking a chance, I download SnapFace onto Eden’s phone and move it to a screen all on its own before looking for Kyle. I already know he has an account. Probably uses it to send unsolicited dick pics to girls.