Page 127 of The Monster I Am
It’s taking longer than I expected, a little frustrating that whoever encrypted it knew what they were doing. It’s not often I’m faced with a challenge, but I know I’ll get there, even if it takes time.
The only problem is we’re time poor. It’s one of the things we don’t have on our side right now, and every day that passes, we sink deeper into uncertainty.
Things have been too quiet—uncharacteristically so. I’ve never known my father in my entire time to let anything go. Just like Ry and H’s dads are being suspicious with their current unbothered behavior. They are pretending to have moved on, but none of us are that stupid. We won’t fall into their trap of false security.
I don’t bother to get changed before my search for some kind of caffeinated drink. Stepping out of my room shirtless and in my boxer shorts, I get the shock of my life at a dark figure standing in the shadows at the end of the hallway.
“Who’s there?” I snap, voice still gruff and raspy.
I’ve watched enough horror movies to know that if I try to run right now, I’ll trip down the stairs and break my neck. The last thing I need is to die in an embarrassing manner and have my cold, stiff body discovered by Sophia and Mary.
Tai Beckett. Died the week of final exams. His morning wood snapped off and broke when he fell down the stairs.
Hell, no.
I straighten up as the figure starts walking toward me, curling my fists in anticipation. But as they pass an open door to one of the spare rooms, tiny golden wisps of morning light reveal his face.
“Parker?” I grumble, slouching in relief. “Man, don’t do that.”
My respite is short-lived when I promptly remember what fucking time it is. Stiffening, I narrow my eyes hostilely, finally face to face with him.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I question annoyed, equally suspicious.
Parker’s more dressed than I am, which is the only reason I don’t immediately put him through a wall. Even though the sun is only just starting to rise, it’s warm already, but this maniac is wearing a black hoodie and sweatpants, as if this is some breaking and entering expedition.
“Morning, Tai,” he says casually, ignoring my demand. “Early for you, isn’t it?”
“How would you know?” I ask heatedly before groaning. “Oh, let me guess—Sophia.”
He nods. “She said neither of you are morning people.”
“If you tell me you’ve just come from her room, you’re going to find out I’m not a people person at all, Parker.”
To my surprise and irritation, Parker snuffs a laugh. He digs his hands into the pockets of his sweatpants, relaxing despite my clear threat against his life.
“Chill, Beckett,” he mutters coolly. “It’s not what you think.”
I fold my arms indignantly. “Really?” I huff sarcastically. “Because to me it seems like you’ve spent the night in my baby’s sister’s room and now you’re sneaking out.”
Parker cocks an eyebrow. “Babysister? Aren’t you only seven minutes older or some shit?”
“Regardless,” I sputter. “She’s my sister and you’re…you.”
I take back everything I’ve said about this guy. He could never be the Tai Beckett of Cedar Heights. Fuck him.
Especially if he fu—
NO!
Nope. No. Absolutely not.
I inadvertently make a gagging sound out loud, causing Parker to recoil with unease and mild disgust.
“I didn’t have sex with your sister, Beckett. Not that I care what you think of me, but I have a younger sister too.”
Straightening up, I narrow my eyes at him suspiciously. “You didn’t?”
“No,” he answers monotonously. “But even if we did, it’s not really your business, is it? Your sister is an adult—baby sibling or not. And it’s a bit hypocritical when you’re quite vocal about your ownactivities.”
