Are you free tonight?
I check my texts from Aiden just in case. He’d usually send me his plans. The last few days, his texts were along the line:
Aiden: Today, I’ll fuck you harder than usual because I’m pissed off about the limit.
Aiden: P.S I’m still pissed off.
Aiden: See you at the Meet Up. Don’t wear anything under that skirt or I’ll rip it off.
Aiden: Hmm. I can’t taste you from last night. I’m taking my refill tonight.
There are none of those texts today.
Screw him for ignoring me.
I pull back Knox’s text and type.
Elsa: Sure. What did you have in mind?
Knox: How about I pick you up and then we decide?
I bite my lower lip and scroll back to Aiden and type.
Elsa: Are you going to stop being a dickhead?
He sees it immediately. Isn’t he supposed to be in practice?
Aiden: Are you going to do as I asked?
Elsa: No. I told you that you don’t control my life. I’ve given you enough leverage already.
He sees it, but he doesn’t reply.
You know what? Damn him. I’m not going to play this game.
I pull Knox again and type.
Elsa: Sure!
After we agree on the time, I pocket my phone in my backpack with a smile.
Aiden can go suck it.
“You’re planning trouble, aren’t you?” Kim asks from beside me.
“Why would you say that?”
“You have this almost sadistic look in your eyes and a smirk when you do.”
“Really?”
“Uh-huh.” She laughs. “I’m teensy bit starting to regret asking you to live an adventure.”
“Did I always have this expression?” I frown.
How come I never knew about it?
“Sometimes.” She glances at me. “Are you okay?”
It’s the usual question she, Aunt, and Uncle ask.
As usual, I smile. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Just checking.” She grins. “You want to join me and Kir for mac and cheese?”
“I’d love to, but I’m going out with Knox.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“No, why would I?”
“Eh, I don’t know, Ellie. Because of King? He’ll flip his shit if he hears you’re going out with Knox.”
“Knox is a friend who saved my life. Aiden should get used to it.”
She taps her fingers on the steering wheel. “You’re right. I know that, but King has no filter whatsoever. He treats you like I’ve never seen him treat anyone else.”
“And how is that?”
“Like he wants to shield you from the world. I don’t think you even notice it, but sometimes, he looks at you like he can’t breathe without you. And believe me, that’s not the King everyone knows.”
I tighten my hold on the backpack. “What are you saying, Kim?”
“All I’m saying is; if he feels this intensely towards you, he’ll react tenfold worse if you threaten him.”
“You’re my friend. You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“I am, Ellie.” She sighs. “That’s why I’m telling you not to stir King’s ugly side.”
Aunt and Uncle come home early. It’s so rare that I can’t help hugging them more than needed.
Then I find out they’re only coming to check on me before going back to work.
I contemplate cancelling with Knox just so I can get some alone time with them and maybe have dinner together.
“No, hon.” Aunt ruffles my hair. “Go and have fun. Don’t let us keep you here.”
“I’m sure Knox will understand,” I argue.
“Go on. Don’t keep him waiting. He seems like a nice boy.”
“We’re just friends, Aunt.” I take a carrot and munch on it. I need to keep my stomach full in case Knox takes me to dinner in a place where they don’t serve my special food.
She grins. “Sure thing, Elsie.”
“Stop it, Blair.” Uncle comes behind me and massages my shoulder. “You go and have fun, pumpkin.”
I nod, glancing back at him.
Since the pool accident, I can’t help noticing the change in Uncle’s demeanour or at least the way he looks at me. It’s like he’s torn inside and doesn’t know how to communicate it.
He releases me and heads upstairs, probably to freshen up before they’re out again.
“I’m going to change,” I tell Aunt and she beams at me.
I take the steps two at a time so I can follow Uncle. I freeze at the top of the stairs when I find him standing in front of my room.
He’s clutching his briefcase with the jacket on top. His shoulders are drooped and he gazes at my room with utter sorrow as if he’s about to cry.
My own eyes fill with tears at the sight.
What is it, Uncle? What is it that you’re not telling me?
He shakes his head and continues to his room.
“Uncle...”
He stops and turns around with