Page 25 of Lessons in Sin

Teeth clenched; I grit out. ‘Yes, they may well pay for the college education they want not for one they’re forced into.’

‘Oh don’t be so ungrateful.’

‘Goodbye mother.’ I hang up before she can say another word.

Unbelievable! Running a stressed hand through my hair, I count to ten, breathing deeply until the anger subsides.

I shouldn’t be surprised - but I am. Every time I speak to them, a small slither inside me is hopeful that, just once, they would treat me with respect.

But no - that will never happen.

My phone vibrates.

Tristan: What’s your favourite meal?

Smiling, I type out a reply.

Scarlett: Wow.

Tristan: What?

Scarlett: All your questions have been so … deep - like angsty teen deep (just for reference). This one is just normal.

Tristan: Angsty teen deep?

Scarlett: Yep. Like emo girl in her bedroom decorating her Tumblr page in Lana Del Ray lyrics kinda deep.

Tristan: I guess I’ll have to trust you on that.

Scarlett: You sure will old man ;)

Tristan: Brat.

Tristan: So. Favourite meal?

Scarlett: Anything with fish.

Tristan: Good to know.

Scarlett: My turn!

Scarlett: Do you have siblings.

Tristan: One sister. Her name’s Isabel. You borrowed a pair of her pants on that first morning.

My stomach flutters - so that’s who they belonged to!

Scarlett: … Now it makes sense. You act like such an older brother!

Tristan: I think you two would get along well.

Scarlett: You do?

Tristan: Yea, you both have similar qualities.

Tristan: But anyway, chat later. I need to set up for my next class.

Scarlett: Sure, thing professor ;)

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