Page 24 of Unraveled

“Thank you. I know.” I took a deep breath, looking around the table. Feeling awkward and just plain confused at how this had started.

“And my son looks a lot like his father,” Mom snapped. “Are we done with this chitchat yet?” She looked at Mr. Hiller, but before he could say something to start the meeting, Zane’s mom cut in.

“Did you want to wait for him to get here?”

“Who?” Mom grated.

“Your husband. We can wait a few minutes if he’s on his way.”

I watched Mom’s face pale, her eyes flitting between Zane’s parents as she fumbled for words. “Um…”

“Bridge…” Uncle Blake leaned forward, touching the arm of her chair while I reached over to place a hand on her arm. Mom smiled a warm thank you, though I still saw a touch of the pain in her eyes, and she took a deep, clearing breath before facing Evelyn again.

“No. Patrick passed away last year, but thank you for considering him.”

Evelyn’s dark eyes widened, the color and shape like Zane’s. “I’m so sorry. I never would have suggested it if I’d known.”

“But you didn’t. So, why don’t we put all the awkwardness aside and get to the real reason we’re sitting here.” Mom cast Zane a hated glance before turning to Ms. Lane. “Can we get on with this?”

The counselor straightened in her chair. “Of course.”

“Wait a minute,” Zane’s dad commanded from his spot near the end of the table. “We don’t even know why we’re all in here.”

Mom turned a heated glare on him that I knew had to burn. It rivaled some of the worst she’d ever thrown at me or Annie. “We’re in here to discuss everythingyourson has done tomydaughter and what I can do to make sure he nevertouchesor bothers her again.”

“Don’t be so hasty, Bridge. We don’t have all the facts yet.”

“I think I have a right to be a little hasty when your son left marks likethoseon my child, Brian,” she snapped. “And don’t call me Bridge. You lost that right years ago.”

“Those weren’t intentional. I’m just trying to fight for what I want,” Zane interjected, his tone calm. Rational.

Evelyn gave him a disapproving look, but my eyes went back to Mom. Her voice lowered and malice threaded an intricate pattern through her next words. “Like father, like son. Go for what you want, no matter who it hurts.”

“Bridge,” Uncle Blake gently warned.

I frowned, wishing I could ask, all of these references to the past sounding like riddles. But the growing tension in the room wasnothelping my headache. It was pounding again, and I doubted I’d get an answer now, anyway. I slumped in my chair, starting to wish I’d just let Mom take me to the doctor.

Brian’s cool composure cracked a little as he frowned, but he didn’t get a chance to respond.

“Izzy?!” The door flew open as Annie charged into the room. “Izzy.” Relief touched her voice when she saw me, rushing to my side. “I just saw Jet’s text. I got a bathroom pass so I could come,” she explained as she hugged me, her embrace desperate and worry flowing through her.

“I’m fine, sis.” I squeezed her tight, sending what calming twin vibes I could manage. “You should go back to class. I promise I’m okay.”

“Yeah, no, class can wait.” She pulled back to look me over, her eyes widening when she saw the bruises. She turned to glare at Zane.

“Excuse me, Miss Donovan,” Principal Hiller cut in. “But class really doesn’t need to wait. You need to head back.”

“No.”

“Annabel, get your butt to class, now,” Mom commanded. “I’m sorry, Mr. Hiller.”

He huffed, and Annie crossed her arms, resting back on one ankle to cock her hip as she gave Mom a look. “I just got here.”

“And now you’re just leaving.” Mom pointed towards the door.

“Annie, you should go,” Uncle Blake tried.

“And leave Izzy withZane?”

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