Without waiting for a response, I slipped inside and slammed the door shut. I locked it and paced the short distance to the sink and back. My heart hammered in my chest, and the grilled cheese I’d enjoyed at lunch threatened to come up.
I grabbed my phone and navigated to my mother’s name. There was nothing new. No warning. No explanation.
What did Douglas want?
What could he possibly want from me? He’s got everything. He’s got my mother.
I entered and exited her chat. I hit the call icon, and after a few rings, it went to voicemail. I tried again. What would I even say to her? It’s not like she could get him to leave me alone.
I shrugged off Mr. Carden’s coat and slipped out of his shirt. I kicked off the boots and, wearing nothing but my underwear, I climbed into bed and pulled the covers over my head.
My breath steamed up my phone’s screen, but I felt safe in here. I scrolled down to my grandmother’s name and called.
No answer.
A message popped up from Link.
@thenaswerisno:
Where are you?
I thought we were playing tonight.
@pancakesareelite:
I can’t.
Within a second, three dots appeared. He was already typing.
@theanswerisno:
No problem. Everything okay?
Without thinking, my fingers were moving.
@pancakesareelite:
I’m not in a good place tonight. I’m going through something with my mom and stepdad.
@theanswerisno:
What do you need? Are you safe?
@pancakesareelite:
For now. I don’t want to talk about it just yet. Not tonight.
@theanswerisno:
Let me know what you need. I can listen. I can talk. I could send you nudes.
@pancakesareelite:
Nudes?!
Seconds later, about six images of different shades of nude filled our chat. I burst out laughing despite the tears bunching at the corners of my eyes.
@theanswerisno:
