Emma
She looks like hell.My sister looks like she’s been up for days and hasn’t showered in any of that time. “Amber.” It’s all I can say at the sight of her. When she emerges from some back room in the Madison police station, she’s wearing the shortest skirt I’ve ever seen. She’s paired it with a cropped tank top and no bra that I can see. The heels she’s wearing look like they’re six inches tall.
Who can walk in those things?
Amber, I guess.
“Don’t say a word.” Amber grunts at me.
I’m shocked. “Don’t say a word?” I can’t believe… yes, I can. “What the heck are you thinking?”
As soon as we’re out of the station and on the sidewalk, Amber turns, places her hands on her narrow hips and snaps, “I’m thinking this is none of your fucking business, you snooty bitch.”
Snooty bitch.
“That’s enough.” Eli says those two words like he means them. “You.” He points at Amber. “Shut the fuck up and don’t talk to Emma like that.”
“Whatever.” Amber rolls the eyes that are thick with eye shadow and extra-long fake eyelashes.
“Where are you staying?”
“Don’t worry about it.” Amber starts to walk away.
“You can’t walk around like that,” I shout. “You’ll get picked up again.”
Amber turns quickly. “You know what. Fuck. Off. Emma.”
“Come home with me. Mom told me to buy you a bus ticket.”
“No way.” She shakes her head. “I found a cash cow here. I’m finally making some money. College boys love a good blowy and the frat guys have the bank to pay for it.”
“Geesh, Amber. Listen to yourself….”
“I am. I’m all I’ve got.”
“That’s not true. Mom and Dad…”
“Are tired of me. I get it.” She turns like she’s leaving again. “Tell them thanks for bailing me out.”
I half expect her to add “Tell them I’ll pay them back” but that’s six words she’ll never say. “Amber?”
“Leave me alone, Emma.”
I feel Eli’s arm wrap around me. “Let her go.”
Let her go.
Three little words that hold so much meaning.
