Chapter 32 The Problem
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"You can't give me a damn solid reason what your problems are with us," Mom blinked, looking exasperated. "And now dare to tell me to pack her up and send her away? She hasn't once done anything to provoke you. Old man, you need to get some help."
"I'm not the one who needs help," he spat. "I warned you. I tried to help you, but you don't listen. Don't come weeping at my door the day it all crumbles down on you." Hector glanced my way. "You better leave, girl, and fast."
"You, sir, can go to hell. She's staying right here. She's not something you send away because her presence irks you," Mom snapped. "I still don't even understand what your problem is with her. She's never done a damn thing to you!"
"Great, you too," I rolled my eyes at Hector, then looked at Mom. "My presence seemed to offend a lot of people lately. If by any chance it ever comes to light of to why I'd love to know too. But you know what?" My eyes turned toward Kayn. "I'm going to enjoy my breakfast without getting reminded what a heavy burden my existence is."
I spun around and stalked back in, feeling hot tears forming inside my eyes. I was growing damn tired of this.
After I helped myself to some leftover lasagna and cake for breakfast—because I deserved it for putting up with this crap, I took a long shower and set up the iPhone Mom gave me. She kept checking in on me and apologizing for the things Hector had said. And each time, I had to remind her that it wasn't her fault.
At some point, she let me be and went out, telling me to call her if I needed her for anything.
Since school was starting, I decided to put together the stationary I'd need for school, only to discover I didn't have half the things required for my first day. I phoned Mom to tell her I'd need to head into town for some school supplies.
She was against the idea at first, but after some convincing, she gave in.
This was not without a long safety speech and insisting I take the pepper spray she kept inside her bedside drawer.
I didn't think twice about following her advice, sticking the tiny bottle into my jean's pocket. I pulled on a long-sleeved black shirt to cover the ugly abrasions on my arms and kept my hair loose to hide most of my neck.
I felt good, regardless of what I went through.
As I headed toward the dock, I spotted Hector and Kayn on the porch of their home, stuck in a heated argument.
When they glanced at me, I turned away.
Thick, white clouds blossomed in the cornflower-blue sky, rapidly growing by the minute. Further on in the horizon, they take on silver hues—in deeper graphite tones, an indication of a storm creeping in.
I was glad I decided to grab my jacket at the last minute, knowing how unpredictable the weather got around here.
Ember came running toward me as I reached the boatman. "Hey, you going into town?"
"Yeah," I nodded. "Need to get a few things for school."
"Happy belated birthday." Ember dropped her arms around me and pulled me into a hug. "I'm so sorry I missed it. And I'm even more sorry for the way my grandpa acted." She pulled away. "I don't even know how to look at you. I am sorry for all of this."
"It's okay, it's not your fault," I offered a weak smile. "At least Kayn made me lasagna and brought me movies."
"Right?" Ember appeared surprised. "I couldn't believe it when I heard it. How are you feeling?"
"Good, all things considering," I said. "Got a few scrapes, but nothing serious."
"Thank goodness for that," she sighed. "Look, I feel horrible. So let me make it up to you."
"You really don't have to."
"No, I insist," she stepped past me and got into the raft. "I'm taking you out for lunch. Place of your choice." She folded her arms across her chest when I didn't move. "I'm not taking no for an answer, Carly. Get in. Let's have some girl time and make fun of stupid boys. Including my lame brother."
"Fine," I snorted a laugh. "But I need to get a few things first."
"Sure thing."
We ended up at one of Ember's favorite hangouts, Belle's Corner, for a late lunch and milkshakes. The restaurant had a sixties vibe to it—everything decorated in cherry-red and white.
The place was a discord of loud chatter, each booth a cosseted huddle of people competing to see who could talk the loudest.
I offered to pay for my share, but Ember insisted on paying for everything as a late birthday treat.
"This place is amazing," she said after the waitress left with our order. "Wait until you try their milkshakes."
I watched a man sipping a large milkshake two tables away, piled with cream and smothered in chocolate sauce. "It sure looks good."
"You have no idea," Ember looked thoughtful. "So, about my grandpa…"
"It's okay, Ember. You've apologized for way more than you should have for things that aren't even your fault."
"I can't imagine how bad it must make you feel. Kayn told him off for it, too."
Both my brows shot up. "He did? Well, knock me over with a feather."
"Right?" she said, then hesitated. "Did...Something happen between the two of you that I should know about?"
