Page 18 of Secrets in Salem: Part One

I sit back in my chair, blowing out a long shaky breath, pushing it out until I physically need to inhale again.That's some intense story.Seems to me she was only wanting equal rights, something that should have been given if they were created to be equals. Instead, a monster was born out of hatred, and who knows what the hell happened to her afterward.

But something niggles at me. Story aside, I'm still at a total loss as to why all of these photographs were in my bedroom. Why any of this weird stuff seems to be happening to me. I need answers before I completely convince myself that my mind is no longer swimming in the same end of the pool.

Chapter 10

Willow

My cellphone chimes suddenly, drawing my attention from my laptop. I slide it out of my pocket, several missed calls and text messages from Mom appearing on the screen. Every text is tinged with worry and demands to explain where I am. Checking the time makes me cringe, seeing that I've been here for just over four hours researching a photo that I have no business being in possession of. Time flies when you’re having fun, right?

Shuffling all of the photos together, I stuff them haphazardly into the envelope and tuck them back into my notebook, deciding it's a headache I'll suffer through when I don't need to call Mom back.

My laptop and notebook are carefully placed back in my bag, conscious of the knife that lies at the bottom. When everything is put away and I've cleared the desk, I sit back in my seat and make the dreaded call.

To the surprise of literally no one, Mom picks up on the first ring.

"Willow Devall, you better tell me where you are right this second," she growls, worry tainting her words. Honestly, you wouldn't believe I'm twenty-five years of age where my mom is concerned. She still talks to me like I’m a rebellious teen.

I roll my eyes and tell her, "I'm at the library, Mom. I'm, uh, doing research for Adam while he's fishing with his dad."

The sigh she releases through the phone makes me roll my eyes.Again. She says, "Thank the stars. I went to the store an hour ago and bumped into Mr. Rogers who told me you were almost hit by a car! I've been worried sick since. Why didn't you answer your phone? Why do you have a cell if you're not going to answer when I damn well call you?"

Her voice has risen by the end of her tirade. It's what Mom does. She'll get worked up, worry, and then get angry at me for making her worry. It's something she's always done, so it doesn't affect me the way it had when I was a kid. I’ve grown immune to a lot of shit while growing up.

"Mom, I just told you I'm at the library. Who in their right mind keeps their phone’s volume on in a library?" I ask her calmly, standing from my chair and hooking my bag over my shoulder.

As I'm making my way out of the library, shooting a wave at Clara before I push through the door, Mom replies, "Alright, that's understandable. But you could have texted me back or something. Youknowhow much I worry."

Rolling my eyes for the millionth time, I tell her, "I could have if I knew you'd even texted or called. I haven't checked my phone because I've been busy, Mom. I'm fine, okay? There's nothing wrong! The car didn't touch me, and I'm completely okay. Please stop treating me like an unruly teenager whose moves you have to track every minute of the day. I’m twenty-five now. I don’t need you checking up on me constantly."

"You're my daughter, and I'll worry until I'm dead and buried in the ground," she stubbornly volleys. I should have seen that one coming, honestly.

"You have a right to worry, Mom. That's not what I'm saying. What Iamsaying is that you can't demand my location and treat me like a sixteen-year-old who just snuck out of the house. I'm an adult, I pay half the bills, and I’m responsible enough to own a studio. Please treat me like it," I patiently explain for the millionth time.

She huffs then sighs quickly after. "Fine. But it's not easy. You're my baby."

I smile at that. "I know. Anyway, I'm heading to the store for popcorn. Cassie invited me to movie and pizza night tomorrow, so I promised Max and Molly I'd bring goodies."

"Alright, honey. Hurry home. I have to leave soon for an exhibit they’ve revealed in New York, so I want to see you before I leave," she replies, sounding a little calmer now.

I nod even though she can't see me. Mom jetting off to different countries for exhibits is her thing. It’s actually a part of her job. She’s hired to make sure there are no inconsistencies in the exhibits and to ensure every piece is original. Mom spends more time away than at home, usually, but I don’t mind. I’m just happy she has something to do with her time now that I’m grown and don’t rely on her as much as she’d like. "I’ll try. See you soon."

I end the call and stuff my phone in my pocket, tucking my oversized cardigan around my body a little tighter when a chill drifts through the air. A cool breeze slithers down my spine, my entire body shaking as soon as it settles into my bones. My breath leaves in a fog of condensation, billowing in front of me with every exhale I make. When did it get so cold? It was sunny when I went into the library, but now the sky is littered with dark clouds threatening to release a downpour of rain I am not equipped for right now. Just my luck.

Deciding it's better to hurry than dawdle, I make my way to the store with a quicker pace, eager to return to the warmth and comfort of my eccentric bungalow and forget today ever happened.

Or at least the later end of the day. My morning was pretty great. I even got a hot guy’s number. The thought of Micah makes me smile a little, giddy that a disastrous meeting turned into something...nice.Things like that don't happen to me, so it's a little unexpected. A good unexpected, since he'd like to go for coffee again.

With a dopey smile on my face, I hustle to the store to buy far more candy than four people will ever eat in one evening, preparing for movie night with three of my favorite people in the world.

***

I spend longer in the store than anticipated to pick out candy, chips, and popcorn. Who knew there were so many choices of popcorn nowadays? Imagine my surprise when I find chocolate-covered popcorn, ones covered in marshmallow and caramel, and various other flavors that I know Max and Molly wouldloveto try. Reasoning with myself resulted in buying pretty much every flavor the store had to offer. Cassie can kick my ass after they've overdosed on candy. It’ll be worth it.

Loaded with two shopping bags full of goodies I know Cass will roll her eyes at, I leave the store, looking up to find the sky completely dark now with gray clouds, a sure sign of a storm hovering on the horizon.

I curse myself for not bringing an umbrella or a jacket with a hood, at the least, but who was I to know a storm was brewing? I'm one of those idiots who doesn't plan for these things, taking the weather as it is, not what it'll be. That little trait is kicking me in the ass right about now, especially since the skies have just opened and I'm assaulted by the sudden downpour of rain.

Running would probably be the better option instead of standing in the overhang of the store, so I make a bolt for it. A wasted effort, really, since the rain is coming down with a forceful vengeance. Water soaks me to the very bone in a manner of seconds, plastering my hair to the sides of my face and causing my clothes to become heavy and uncomfortable, suctioning to my body like a second skin.

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