She taps her chin, trying to feign innocence. “Just a little drinking and a show. Nothing too big.”
Instantly, my spine prickles.
“Show? What kind of show, Pippa?”
She laughs. “The kind that will entertain us all. Don’t worry, Amber’s going to love it. It’ll benostalgicfor her.” The way she focuses on that single word has me on edge.
“Pippa, please don’t tell me you did what I think you did?”
“Guess you’ll just have to wait to see, sister dear. Now come on, you both are in need of some very heavy makeovers. If I’m going to be seen with any of you tonight, then you need to look hot.”
My sister saunters down the hall as instant dread takes over me. “Pippa!” I shout. “Pippa, get the hell back here right now!”
She disappears around the corner, ignoring me.
“Mallory, I have a really bad feeling that tonight is going to be awful for Amber.”
“Can you stop it before it happens?”
Shaking my head, I let the helplessness sink in.
“No, once my sister has her heart set on something, she doesn’t give up. All I can say is whatever happens, we need to try to keep Amber from doing something dumb.”
Mallory nods. “Okay, I’m in.”
We share an awkward handshake before following my sister. Unfortunately, even our pact couldn’t withstand Pippa’s devious plan that was already set in motion.
Chapter Twelve
Wesley
Dear Poppy,
You’re probably asking yourself why you’re receiving this letter… or not receiving it, because I have no plans on ever sending it to you. Honestly, writing to you makes things in here a little easier, even if the words never leave the comfort of these walls.
After the last time we saw each other, I have done nothing but think about you. I know you left angry at me, but I only said the things I did because I care about you. Maybe it was wrong of me to accuse you of being on drugs, but that’s the only explanation I have for how you’ve been acting.
I don’t want you to feel like you have to go through anything alone. You may hate me, but I need you to know that no matter what, I will always be here for you, Poppy. You mean more to me than you’ll ever know.
I wish I could show you just how much, but with everything going on, I fear that our last conversation will truly be the last for us. It’s almost like the grim reaper is breathing down my neck, his scythe scratching at my skin, marking me for death.
They’ve finally sentenced me. They gave me five years with the possibility of early release at three, if I’m on my best behavior. That’s five years to fucking rot in a prison cell, the place you’ve always thought I belonged. I could probably handle it if those five years were going to be in Parr, but due to staffing here, and Carson City closing, they are talking about sending me to Ely State Prison.
That’s maximum security, or at least it was until they had that big fight there; now I guess it’s been classed down to medium security.
Still… I’m not sure I’m cut out for a prison like that. Not really. I won’t lie, going there scares the fuck out of me. I’m not sure if I can survive the five years they’ve given me if they send me to Ely. I’ll do my best to stay strong in here, but not gonna lie, there’s a dark side to being in prison that just sucks your soul away. But I won’t let them see me break, no matter how many bones they break in me.
Please take care of my boy when he gets married in a few days. He may act strong, but Amber means the world to him, and if he ever loses her, I don’t know what that will do to him.
Anyway, I know you won’t be writing back to me; I just needed to talk to you, even if it’s fictionally through paper.
Always got your back…
Wesley.
P.S. I bet you’ll look so beautiful in your maid-of-honor dress. Not there isn’t a day where I don’t think you’re the most beautiful woman in the world.
Chapter Thirteen
