“Now.”
This time, there’s no room for protest, and, like a good little soldier, my twin moves toward the stairs, only glancing atme before he turns the corner. I can feel the anger radiating from my father, but this is what I wanted.
I wanted them to see me.
“Bailey Mark Walker,I don’t care what the hell you think you know, but you won’t speak to your mother this way. We’re still your parents.”
“Really? Now you want to be my parents? Where were you when I quit soccer three weeks ago?” I ask, my temper slipping, and I hate how shitty I feel right now. “I’m not even sure you would’ve noticed if Mirabelle hadn’t told you this afternoon, but I guess you weren’t talking to her either until today. What kind of parents does that make you?”
Dad flinches, and I thought it’d feel good to make them hurt as much as I do, but it doesn’t. Instead, an apology burns on the tip of my tongue.
I’m sorry I’m not more like you.
I scoff, shaking my head to keep tears from forming as I stand up. Mom rests her hand on Dad’s knee, stopping him from following me, and I feel a part of my soul crack at the sight of the silver tears flowing down her cheeks.
Still, I can’t erase the hurt I’ve felt, learning just how invisible I am to them.
“Just go to your room,” Mom whispers, her shoulders sinking, and I take the opportunity to flee. I wish I didn’t feel as guilty as I do.
Hunter’s lingering on the stairs, looking at me like he barely recognizes me. I can’t blame him. I barely recognize myself most days.
He follows me to my room, catching the door before it can shut behind me.
“Why are you so fucking angry at everyone? Why are you acting like this?”
“Drop it,” I say, but he shoves me from behind. I barely catch myself before I fall into my desk.
“No. I’m letting everyone think I know what the hell is going on with you when I’m just as in the dark as they are.”
I turn, doing everything I can to push him away. I’ve been infested by poison, but I can protect him by leaving him out of this. I’m not naive enough to think part of the reason I haven’t told Hunter about Carter is because I want to keep him for myself. “I didn’t ask you to do that. I haven’t asked you for anything, Hunt.”
“You didn’t have to ask me because it’s what we do for each other, but now I am. What is going on with you?Please, let me help.”
Looking at Hunter has always been like looking in a mirror, except lately, the mirror seems to only point out everything I’m not.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Kaitlyn
NOW
The doorbell chimesthrough the house, and I laugh, checking my phone to see if I missed a text from Bailey, but I have nothing. I didn’t really think he’d remember to text me first, especially if Javi is excited. I don’t think he stopped talking while we waited for the fireworks on the Fourth of July.
It’s really nice to see him coming out of his shell.
Yet, when I open the front door, it’s not the twin I’m expecting to see.
Hunter’s standing on the other side with his hands shoved in his pockets. The dark circles under his eyes are prominent, and I’m caught off guard.
What is he doing here? I thought he wasn’t supposed to come back until tomorrow?
“Can I come in?” he asks, and I nod, opening the door further to invite him in.
“I thought you weren’t flying back until tomorrow?”
“Caught an earlier flight.” Hunter tries to smile, but it doesn’t meet his eyes. “Are your parentshome?”
I clear my throat, shaking my head. “No, they left a little bit ago, and won’t be back until later.”
