Chapter 21

Devin drives me home, filling the silence with easy conversation, but it does nothing to appease my nerves. Still, I'm grateful for the distraction. I hold a list of recommendations in my hand on how to treat my stitches, left by Bethany on the kitchen counter. I start to regret the way I snapped at her.

My mother eyes me eerily when I get home, her glance lingering on my sweater. I thought about returning it to Devin, but the fabric is way too comfortable and warm to commit such a crime.

When she charges at me with a whole set of questions, I dodge her moves, promising that I'll clarify everything to both of them tonight.

I pass my day in a state of pure anxiety, distracted by my thoughts, so much so that Mrs. Hill sends me a sharp look every time I space out.

I count the hours until they get back, getting more impatient by the minute. I attempt to make myself look presentable and fail miserably.

My hands shake as the doom gets closer, impossible to ignore. I grab the necklace,