“Victor, it’s too much.” These were my first words upon walking up the path to what Victor calls The Cottage, the “little” eight-room house situated directly behind his, separated only by a small grove of trees. Accepting this home went against all of my instincts for self-preservation, self-suffic
“Are you having a good time?” Victor asks, leaning close. Amelia smiles up at him and nods enthusiastically. For the first time in weeks, it’s not a lie. “Where are the boys?” Victor asks, looking around for them. Amelia dances to the music, swinging her hips and laughing. She waves vaguely towar
Tires screech as Victor swerves into his driveway, throwing the car into park and jumping out the door almost before it stops. “Victo-“ Amelia says, just starting to unbuckle her seatbelt. But he’s already moving around the house, heading for Evelyn’s cottage out back. Amelia slumps back in the sea
Victor blinks at him for a moment – I’m not sure he even knew he was humming. He laughs softly and says, “thank you. My grandmother used to sing it to me when I was little, and when I was scared. Do you know?” He says, beginning to rinse the suds from Ian’s hair. “When I was a boy, I was very afraid
When the boys are safely ensconced in their bedroom, happily watching Aladdin at a bit too high of a volume, I storm into the living room. Victor turns to me. “Evelyn, I –“ I slam into him before he can finish, pushing him off balance and slamming his back into the living room wall. His instincts
“I didn’t, Victor!” She pleads, closing the gap between them and wrapping her arms around his waist, placing her head against his chest where his shirt collects her tears. “I’m just as confused as you are! I have no idea what happened, what’s happening!” Victor softens after a moment, putting a han
The next morning, Betas who hustle about Victor’s kitchen as he enters it, making phone calls, surveying the sight-lines from the kitchen and living room. “Good,” he says, nodding. “Good morning, baby,” Amelia purrs, pressing a hot cup of coffee and cream into his hand and giving him a kiss on the
“What, no knock?” I say. Victor looks at me for a moment, confused. “What? It’s my house.” I narrow my eyes. “It’s my house, Victor. I live here, I pay rent. I have rights.” He chuckles, dismissive, and closes the door. “Where are the boys.” “They’re upstairs,” I say, rolling my eyes at his auda