Page 74 of Devious Obsession
His eyes light with understanding, and I withdraw again. Message received. Whatever notions he has about my life, and what it should be, we can agree that my past has fucked up my future.
And sometimes that means doing extreme things in pursuit of happiness.
“How’s the piano?” Uncle asks.
I smile. “I’m going to apply to orchestras. If I can’t afford the tuition for next year, then I need to get a jump on my career—”
“Use the money.” Uncle frowns. “I’ll deal with the fallout.”
My smile fades. “I won’t do that.”
He exhales but thankfully drops the subject.
When we’re done, he pays and motions for both of us to follow him. Thalia must’ve caught a ride or walked—we’re not far from campus—because she doesn’t hesitate to climb in the backseat of Uncle’s car.
“Where are your clothes?” she whispers to me before Uncle gets in.
I stifle my sigh. “No idea.”
“Oh my god,” she groans and leans back. “I don’t know how you’re not wanting to kill him.”
Uncle, now in his seat and slamming his door, glances back at her. “Your friend has the right idea, Aspen.”
I shake my head. “I think I just want to go home. Please.”
That scraped-out feeling returns. Food helped. The company helped. But now, as we lapse back into silence, the darkness creeps back in.
Still. I ignore it as Uncle parks on the curb and follows us inside, making himself at home on the couch. I go right into the bathroom and lock the door. I turn the water on as hot as it’ll go. Some therapist in high school once said burning-hot showers were a way of self-harm, but… in this case, I feel like it’s warranted.
Anyway.
I shower until I feel somewhat human again. My room is just as I left it. Well, except I left when Violet was sleeping in it—and luckily, she’s not still in it. That would be weird.
It appears that she changed my sheets and made the bed. My phone is on the charger, and I open it to a slew of messages from yesterday morning. When they realized I was gone, but before they found my phone?
A new message comes through as I’m holding it.
Steele
Our parents are going to my New York game. You’re coming, too.
Bossy.
Are they done traveling Europe? I hadn’t heard anything…
Me
Is that a question, or…?
Steele
No.
Me
Your tone is a little off-putting. I’ll pass.
Steele
