New World by Mary Kate L

Author:Mary, Kate L. [Mary, Kate L.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2015-11-30T08:00:00+00:00

14

Vivian

I WRAP THE blanket tighter around my body, wishing for the hundredth time that I’d decided to drag the kerosene heater downstairs last night. At the time it seemed pointless. I was sure Axl would be back any minute, because he’d promised me he would be home before dark. Even after the sun set I didn’t think he’d be gone the whole night, though. All I had to do was lay on the couch for a little bit, then Axl would be home and we could go up to bed. Together.

That isn’t what happened, though. Instead the night stretched on and on, and even though I was totally exhausted, I found it impossible to sleep. Now it’s nearing dawn and Axl still isn’t home, and I’m more awake than ever. And freezing.

A soft rap on the door makes me sit up, but I’m so twisted in the blanket that I almost can’t get off the couch. My legs get more tangled, and I stumble forward, nearly falling on my face before I somehow manage to break free. My heart is pounding like crazy as I hurry across the room. It isn’t Axl. That I know for sure—he’d never knock on his own door—but it could be someone who has news.

I rip the door open so hard it nearly knocks me over. Darla is standing on the porch, and she jumps back like I scared the shit out of her. It’s still dark, but in the distance, there’s a little bit of light peeking over the horizon.

“I wake you up?” Darla asks, looking past me into the house.

“No. I haven’t slept a wink.”

My mom nods as she wrings her hands. “Me neither. I’m worried sick about them boys. You think they’re okay?”

“They’re fine,” I snap, then shake my head. “I’m sorry. I’m just worried.”

“I know.”

We stand there for a second in silence, just staring at each other. At first I don’t know what to say. Why’s she here and what does she want from me? Then she looks past me into the house again, and it hits me. She wants to come inside. Probably doesn’t want to be alone, and I can’t blame her. Right now, even Darla’s company is better than being alone for another second. I’m about to drive myself crazy.

“You want to come in?” I ask, stepping aside.

Darla nods and walks in, but she doesn’t sit. She just keeps wringing her hands.

I shut the door, but not before a burst of cold air has forced the temperature inside the house to plummet another ten degrees. More shivers work their way through me, and I pick my blanket up off the floor so I can wrap it around my shoulders before lighting a candle. No sense sitting in the dark now that Darla’s here.

The light flickers across the room, highlighting the dark circles ringing my mom’s eyes. The skin on her face has begun to sag thanks to the weight she’s lost, and her dark roots are so long

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