LOL. In all seriousness, you deserve to be happy, and I hope he gives you that.
Sloane
Me too…
I stare at the screen, wanting to tell her everything.
Well…not everything.
But at least the truth about my sister. About Milo. About why my life has always been so much messier than I let people believe.
Would she be angry that I kept all of that from her? Maybe. I don’t know. But right now, the need to tell someone is bigger than the fear of how she’ll take it.
Sloane
Can I tell you something? But promise not to get upset with me. Please…
Mandy
What could you possibly say that would make me upset? I mean, I would kill you if you fucked Jace, but other than that, we’re good. LOL.
Sloane
Well…there’s stuff about me and my past that I never told you. I haven’t told anyone, but I just, I don’t know…need to get it out.
Mandy
You can always tell me anything. Hell, I’d bail you out if you offed someone.
Even so, I’m definitely not telling her about Mom, especially over text. I’m not that stupid.
Sloane
I’ve been homeless for a few weeks now. My sister kicked me out after we had a fight.
The three dots pop up, disappear, then come back again, dragging my nerves tighter with every second.
Mandy
I know…
My whole body goes still.
What?
My heart kicks harder as a hundred questions hit me all at once.
Sloane
What do you mean? How?
Mandy
Well, I didn’t know the details, but I saw you sleeping in your car once. I didn’t want to say anything and make you feel worse. That’s why I kept inviting you over. I just didn’t want you out there alone. I was scared for you, Sloane, but I didn’t want to push too hard and make you shut me out.
Tears slip down my cheeks, and I wipe at them quickly, my vision clouding.
Mandy
