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“Ok.”
“And…” Mum stalls for a moment, glancing at my dad before returning her eyes to me. “We want you to attend the new youth addiction centre in Redfield for meetings.”
“What!” I push off the wall, balling my fists. “No way! That’s for drug addicts and stuff. I’m not going there!”
“It’s for addicts, period. Besides, you do drugs, Rhys. Probably more than you should for a social dabbler. That’s our terms. Allowing you to be out in a dangerous situation, which has the potential to affect your mental stability, goes against everything we are trying to do here. We want to provide you with a safe place. A loving home, a warm bed, food in your belly, and opportunities to get the education you deserve. What’s happening now is a bump in your road, but it is a big one. It’ll likely leave lingering memories that you’ll try to bury. We need you to agree to focusing on your mental health so you can move on and live the life you deserve.”
Well, fuck. I hate it when she’s all logical and shit.
“Meetings only. I’m not going to stay there. This is my home… right?”
“Of course, this is your home. Always Rhys. You are our daughter, and we will be here for you no matter what.”
I want to cry. I hold back, though. I need to be strong and show them I can handle this, so I nod.
“Ok. I’ll do what you want. No one wants this over with more than I do.”
Will nods. “Thank you, Rhys. We’ll be with you on Saturday. We have something to do in the city afterwards, so maybe we can stay the night.”
I scrunch up my nose. “Can I not? Simon is having a little party. I think I'll really need my friends after visiting the prison.”
“Oh, well, I guess we can change our plans.” Cin looks at Will, who seems disappointed.
“Well, why don’t you keep your plans? Maybe I can bum a ride with Officer Zimora and Officer Fredricks?”
“Oh… I don’t know if that will be allowed.” Mum frowns, and I shrug, glancing at the clock above my dad’s head. It’s nearly 8pm.
“Can you ask? Otherwise, I can catch the train back.”
“No.” My dad stands from behind the desk. “We will all travel back home together. I’ll re-schedule our appointment in the city.”
Now I feel awful, but Cin looks relieved. “We can go the next day, perhaps? I’m sure that won’t be a problem.”
Dad nods, approaching my mum and kissing her forehead. Those two have something special. It makes me think of my guys. I know we are only new and all so young except for Ty, but is it too premature to hope that one day we will be married and have kids and work together to help solve their worries? I can tell you it’s a weird fucking thought. I’ve never thought of myself as marriage material, let alone mother material, yet I’m dreaming up images of me and my guys facing this world together that way.
“Uh… Can I go? I’m gonna have an early night.”
My parents turn their attention back to me, smiling and nodding, giving me the go-ahead, so I do what any other teenage girl would do in my situation. I flee.
Back in my room, I hang my trusty ‘do not disturb’ sign on my door before going inside and locking it. Then I put my Docs on, lacing them quickly before slipping out my window.
Just like some of the other times I’ve snuck out, I knick Archie’s bike and start pedalling for my life. It takes me fifty gruelling minutes to ride out to Vixen’s Lodge, and by the time I get inside the barn, I’m parched, panting, and absolutely exhausted.
I go straight to the little bathroom and guzzle down some water from the faucet before peeing and returning to my little makeover area. There’s a purple lace bra and matching panties laid out for me, and on top are black heels, an envelope, a hairbrush, and a packet of makeup wipes, but no mask makeup.
Sourness settles in my gut. This was a bad idea. I should turn around and leave now, but then I remember the messages Master Hill sent.
There will be consequences if you fail to attend.
Your sponsor will pay the price.
I hate this motherfucker!
With a shaky hand, I open the envelope and pull out a single piece of paper.
Kitten, please remove all traces of makeup and make sure your hair is down.
Once you are dressed, please knock on the back door near the swimming pool.
