He frowns, and I can see that he believes me. His eyes drift to Scarlet once more and soften.

“Thanks for bringing these over, Joey. I actually recognize it.”

“In fact.” He nods. “You haven’t been over.”

“No, I’m taking a while. I got here and instructed you that already.”

He stares by means of me, his eyes assessing and filled with questions. “Joey, are you okay?” I ask, taking a tentative step in the direction of him.

“You requested me that already.” He continues to stare at me, even once I avert my gaze to Scarlet, I really feel his eyes on me. By no means have I been so awkward and uncomfortable with somebody I do know. A good friend at that.

“Sorry, Joey, I feel—”

The door clicking shut has me pivoting on the spot. I’m momentarily relieved for the interruption, and I count on to see Mason, or one of many ladies, strolling by means of my entrance door. What I don’t count on is my mom.

“Properly, haven’t you achieved effectively for your self.” My mom’s voice is like ice in my veins, capturing proper by means of me and sending each hair on my physique standing on finish.

“Mum?” It’s been years since I’ve seen her, and from the traces round her eyes and slick roots that move her cheekbones I can inform she hasn’t been taking care of herself. “You bought my letter?”

Hope blooms in my chest on the considered her coming all the way in which to my residence. I knew it could work. The image, the letter.

“I obtained your letter, however there wasn’t my cash,” she slurs.

Feeling embarrassed, I flick my eyes to Scarlet. I do know she wouldn’t decide me; she went by means of equally robust instances along with her dad, nevertheless it doesn’t make this second any simpler. “What do you imply your cash, Mum? You haven’t requested for cash in months.”

“Since you lower me off!” she yells, gripping her bag with trembling fingers. “Is that this him?!” she sneers at Joey, taking a step farther into the lounge.

I blink thrice, shaking my head and questioning how my day can go so backwards so quick. I ponder asking Joey to go away however I’m simply as frightened about him as I’m about my drunk mum. “By him, I presume you imply Mason. And no, that is Joey—my good friend. And Scarlet, Mason’s sister.”

“Don’t get sensible with me!” She pulls her bag off her shoulder and grips the straps with a white-knuckle grip. Her wild eyes snap from Joey to Scarlet, then again to me. “The place is he?”

“Are you severe proper now?!” I rage. “How dare you come into my residence and communicate to me like this!”

Earlier than I can assume, earlier than I can course of what is going on, my mom pulls a gun from her bag. She factors it at Scarlet. I really feel the blood go away my physique, the panic taking its place and demanding extra from me than I do know what to do with.

“Mum?” I query, my voice deathly quiet as I attempt to cease my physique from trembling. I likelihood a look at Scarlet and shut my eyes once I see a tear slip free. “Mum, please relax. I’ll get you cash, okay?”

She snaps her head round to take a look at me, tears brimming her personal eyes. “I would like my cash, all of it. What he promised.”

I don’t know what she’s speaking about and it makes my throat develop tight, as a result of I don’t know if I’ve ever seen her like this. She’s on one thing, that a lot I’m positive of, however what? And why is she doing this? When did issues get this unhealthy? “Okay, I’ll get all of it.” I swallow thickly, prepared my phrases to not fail me. “What did he promise?”

“A brand new life. A contemporary begin. Some huge cash, after which he took all of it away.”

“Mason?” I frown. “Mason promised you that?”

“Sure!” she hisses. “I went to rehab; I did the time after which once I got here for my cash he instructed me no.”

“You went to rehab?”

“Sure!” She shakes her arm as she shouts and I step ahead, making her freeze up, her finger flinching on the set off.

“I’m going to go and get my telephone, okay, after which I’ll name Mason. Mum, please put the gun down.”

“GET ME THE MONEY!” I watch as her total face reddens, her eyes watering from anger or possibly unhappiness. I don’t know as a result of I don’t know the lady standing in entrance of me.

My tears slip free, and I roll my lips as I look again at Scarlet. I’m so sorry, I mouth.

She nods her head, and I do know that she doesn’t blame me. However I additionally know that she is simply as petrified as I’m.

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