Page 81 of Caged Bliss

“No, you’re not, I’m just kidding around. But I know that look, and trust me, my brother’s making plans for you two. Maye he’s not saying them, but he’s got your life mapped out in his head.” She hesitates and looks a little panicked. “Shit. Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I don’t mean to freak you out.”

I wave her away and we start walking again. “Honestly? That doesn’t bother me. That’s weird, right?”

“Not really. I mean, maybe, but I went through something like that with Brody. We weren’t together, we didn’t like each other, and then suddenly… we did. And we never looked back.”

“That sounds really nice.”

I walk with her to the edge of the oasis and she waves as she gets into the back of a car driven by some guy with flaming red hair. Once she’s gone, I backtrack to Angelo’s house, taking my time. The wind’s cool on my skin and I keep thinking about how comfortable it felt sitting in that back yard with Elena, Stefania, Emily, and Freddie, and how badly I want to be a part of that world.

It’s weird, but I feel happy. Which should be normal, but I can’t remember the last time I felt anything but anxious, scared, and nervous for the future. Being here in this place, it’s like sinking into a warm bath while my favorite music plays; I don’t want to lift my head ever again.

Which makes me feel guilty as hell, because somewhere out there, Serena’s suffering.

I don’t know how to rectify these two parts of me. There’s the loyal sister, the version of me that sacrificed everything to keep watch over Serena, even through some very dark shit. Then there’s this new version, a girl I’m only starting to get to know, but a girl I really, really like. If I keep walking down this path, I’m afraid I’ll leave the old me behind, and that’s a really scary idea.

Angelo’s waiting for me on the porch. I give him a kiss and sit next to him on a bench swing. His arm wraps around my shoulders and he tugs me close.

“Your sister’s really nice,” I say and he laughs.

“Elena? Yeah, she’s alright. I think she bases her entire life around taking care of people, and now I guess she’s taking care of you, too.”

“Really? She doesn’t seem like the maternal type.”

“Nah, that’s not her style, but you don’t have to be maternal to take care of others.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Sometimes you say really insightful stuff and I have to wonder if you’re reading this crap somewhere.”

“I’m a man of many layers.”

“As I keep finding out.” I lean closer and kiss his cheek. “Everyone asked when we’re having a baby,” I whisper, and he starts clearing his throat in surprise.

I laugh, leaning back, and I expect to see pure panic in his eyes.

Instead, he’s giving me a hard, considering stare, which makes my pulse double.

“Is that something you want?” he asks, voice very quiet.

“I was kidding!” I look around, wondering if this is a prank. “You weren’t supposed to react like this.”

“What, does it bother you that I’m not afraid of fucking you until you’re pregnant?”

“Okay, yeah, that makes more sense. You just want the fun part of fatherhood. You know, the making the baby part.”

He shakes his head and leans forward to kiss me. “No, baby. I want it all, so long as it’s with you.”

I could die right here and now, or at least I could straddle him and fuck him into oblivion, but my phone starts ringing instead.

“Unknown caller,” I say, frowning, and a jolt of worry hits me. “What if it’s Serena?”

“Better answer.”

I raise the phone to my ear. “Hello?”

“Claudia, it’s me.” Uncle Rodney’s voice comes down the line sounding like he’s in an echo chamber. In the background, someone’s shouting, and a heavy door slams shut. “Listen, don’t hang up. Please, I don’t have long.”

“What the hell do you want?” My pulse quickens and sweat beads under my arms. “Talk fast.”

“This is embarrassing, but I’ve been arrested. I’m in county right now. Please, kiddo, I’m begging you, please come bail me out.”

---