Page 19 of Scars Like Wings

How many times do I have to tell you to stop using hashtags in text, gramps?

EVERETT

#DontHateMeCuzUAintMe ??

ME

You are canceled. Good night. ??

ME

Sea invited me and Maze to a party her new boo is throwing tonight. Is it cool if they come over to get ready and pregame?

ME

I know I ask that every time and you have blanket-said yes, but I will never stop asking. I know you secretly love it.

ME

Will you be home tonight?

ME

Do you work?

ME

Do we not answer texts from our favorite niece now?

ME

Running super late because Ashleigh is a fucking bitch. Do people not know how to hate professionally anymore?

ME

FINALLY leaving. I’m guessing you are not home. You know I have abandonment issues. Why aren’t you responding?

ME

You can’t ghost your ward. That’s illegal, you know.

ME

Hello????

I furrowed my brows. Where was Everett? He always responded quickly to my texts. If he couldn’t, he would text me to say he was busy at work as a Field Agent for the Department of Supernatural Operations. It was strange that he hadn’t replied. Something tugged on my mind, a memory. But when I tried to focus on it, it was as elusive as a cloud of smoke. Even though I couldn’t remember it, I felt uneasy from the familiarity.

I returned to the group chat with my friends:

ME

I JUST boarded the train. Everett is MIA for some reason. Hopefully, I’ll be there in about 15-20 minutes.

It wasn’t long before my phone pulsed with a response.

SIMONE

You are totally good. I’m running late, too!

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