Page 104 of Grown

Shea enters our room and I keep my head to the wall, squeezing my eyes tight to hide the tears.

A text flashes. From Gabriela.

Dude, for the last time. WRONG NUMBER!!!

“You never heard her mention... anybody?” Daddy whispers.

“I don’t remember,” Mom sighs. “Then again, I can barely remember what happened yesterday, let alone six months ago. We’ve just been so busy with work and I... all I remember her talking about is her teammates. Shit, I’m the world’sworst goddamn mother! First I didn’t want her to sing, then I couldn’t go on tour with her, now I don’t know her friends. I just... never thought I had to worry about her. She always seemed to be OK.”

“Not your fault,” Daddy says cautiously. “But do you think...?”

“I don’t know, but please. Let’s... not talk about that right now.”

Chapter 72

How to Buy Back Your Life

The number is still written on the kitchen whiteboard in big, bold red. Mom said she called it five to six times a day when she was looking for me. The evidence of her fight is all around the house. Receipts, tour schedules, articles, tickets, concert photos... now she’s on the phone with another lawyer, one recommended by the W&W moms.

There’s no escaping Korey. He’s everywhere. I’m back in that house again, door locked, trapped. And this time, I’ve brought my family and friends with me.

I dial the number and slip into the bathroom, throwing the shower on to buffer the sound.

“Jessica. It’s Enchanted.”

There’s a brief pause on the other end of the line.

“Oh. You,” she says, voice seething. “What do YOU want?”

“I need to speak with Korey.”

Another long pause. Mumbling. She’s talking to someone.

“Well... I’m not with him. He’s in New York.”

The phone is on speaker now. Korey must be with her.

“I know that. He’s been stalking me,” I snap, hoping the words burn him.

“Ha! More delusions.”

“What does that mean?”

“Nothing. So why are you calling me?”

“Because you know how to get in touch with him.”

“So?”

“So, tell him... I’ll give him what he wants.”

Silence. Whatever car she’s in sounds like it’s driving down a highway.

“I’ll... relay the message.”

Click.

There are steps you need to take to buy back your life: