Page 119 of Wicked Brutal

My phone buzzes. Every fucking person in the room stops. I pull it out. Ally.

Ally: morning

My entire body loosens by maybe half an inch.

morning baby

Ally: dad is being weird

weird how

The dots appear. Disappear. Appear again.

Ally: keeps checking his phone

I look at Arthur. “She’s awake.”

Dad leans toward me. “Everything okay?”

“Roman’s acting weird.”

Arthur’s expression sharpens. “What kind of weird?”

“Checking his phone.”

Xander looks at the clock. “Waiting for Victor?”

My phone buzzes again.

Ally: mom made pancakes

Ally: i think she’s trying to feed me my feelings

Despite everything, I smile.

eat them

Ally: bossy

Ally: i don’t want to go today

The smile disappears. Dad sees it. “What?”

I don’t answer immediately. I stare at those six words. Not Victor is gross. Not this is annoying. Not one of her jokes. I don’t want to go today.

I know.

you don’t have to pretend with me

The dots appear. Disappear. Come back.

Ally: i’m scared

Something cold settles under my ribs. I don’t think.

I know. I’m right here.

Ally: i know