Page 17 of Sinister

Baba is fucking scary and I do as she says or else I risk getting the third degree. Growing up, Baba would babysit Saskia and I and she always scared the crap out of me. There was no chance we could act up when we were here at Saskia’s place.

Baba grips my hand firmly in both of hers and kisses the top before muttering something in Russian. All she has to do is give Saskia the look and Saskia follows suit and holds out her hand. Baba kisses Saskia on the cheek before she indicates for us that we can leave.

“Thank you, Baba.” I clutch the cross that dangles below my breasts and head to the car.

I watch Saskia beeline for the car. She’s too fucking stunning for words. Her usually unruly dirty blonde hair is straightened and sits at her waist. She’s dressed as a slutty Matryoshka doll, and I eye her in confusion as she makes her way to the car and gets in.

I climb into the driver’s seat and stare at her. “Umm, what the fuck are you wearing?”

She cackles to herself before closing the door. “Someone’s worst nightmare.” She winks.

“I don’t get it.” I shake my head at her as I pull away from the curb and head toward the main highway.

“People are scared of my family. I thought I’d come in traditional Russian dress.”

“Okay then.” I indicate to merge onto the highway.

“Where are your two lovesick puppies tonight?”

“Shut up. Don’t you start.” I turn up the music to try to drown out her talking.

Saskia leans forward and turns the song back down. “They’re both so in love with you. How do you not see it?”

“I’m not listening to you.”

“Now that we’re out of high school and in the big bad world, you know you could totally fuck them both and neither would protest.”

“It’s not like I haven’t tried.” I roll my eyes at myself and at how pathetic I sound.

“Forget about Rome. We’re days away from going off to college so let’s make a new pact. You get laid tonight.” She claps her hands together like she’s just concocted some grand scheme.

“I don’t just want it to be anyone. I do have a little self-respect.” I glance at her and laugh.

“Of course, it won’t be just anyone. It will be the hottest guy at the party. Don’t worry, girlfriend, I got you. Leave it up to Momma Sass to get you laid tonight.” She leans over the center console and plants a kiss on my cheek.

“I’m going to miss you when we leave for college. I know it’s the same University, but the different colleges are going to suck ass.” The sudden pang of anxiety and fear coil in my gut.

“You could always escape and come be with me.”

“Sounds like a plan. You can help me get the fuck out of that house as I’d rather not run into Sin on the daily if I can help it.”

“Turn here.” Saskia points to an entrance of a driveway flanked by two giant gargoyles.

“It looks like the Addams Family lives here.” I roll past the two impressive columns with the looming presence of the gargoyles staring down at anyone who dares enter their playground.

“I can’t believe Papa and Mama V. aren’t allowing you to go to college on the other side of the country.”

“Apparently, I don’t get a say.” I can feel her eyes on me as the car creeps along the never-ending driveway with the gnarled branches of the trees forming a canopy above.

Yawning loudly as we break into a clearing to see the gothic looking mansion illuminated by the bright moon. “Is Edward Scissor Hands throwing the party?” My eyes water as I yawn again.

“Are your spicy sex dreams keeping you awake again?” Saskia laughs at my expense.

“Fuck off. It’s not funny.” I put the car in park and check myself in the rear view mirror. “And yes, if you must know.”

“Girl. You need to get laid.”

“No shit. Now, let’s go get drunk.” I climb out of the car and stare up at the life size haunted house.

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