Page 15 of Original Sins (Dark Odyssey 6)

I couldn’t even talk to guys properly in high school without my father hearing about it. And God bless theboywho would be brave enough to talk to me. That was a rare occasion. I doubt it would be any different if I met Georgiou or Henry. In fact, it would be worse, and I would just die if either of them treated me like a child.

“Relax, I wouldn’t say who you were. And please, eighteen means any guy who you encounter will just be grateful your legal.” She laughs in that jovial manner she always issues my way. As if I’m so naïve.

The reason I’m so naïve, though, is because I am. While she’s always talking about her boyfriends and wild getaways where she has threesomes and foursomes, I’m none the wiser because I’m a virgin.

“Legal,Evie,” she reminds me. “Do me a favor and fuck someone so that prick won’t have the privilege of claiming your V-card on your wedding night.”

My mouth falls open. “Cordelia.”

“What? Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it.”

I shake my head at her. Not because I haven’t thought about losing my virginity but because I can’t believe her craziness.

“This talk isn’t helping. Just go to the party and have fun. I’ll just be here.”

Before she can say anything more, I walk away and make my way back to my room.

I’m thankful when she doesn’t follow. I usually find talking with her amusing and fascinating because she’s so liberal, but I can’t muster anything past the doom I feel right now.

5

Evie

Cordelia calls out to let me know she’s going before she leaves.

When I hear her little sports car speeding away from the house with Alanis Morrissette's voice carrying on the edge of the wind, I know she’s gone and might not be back until tomorrow. Chances are, though, she might cut her night short because I know she’s worried about me.

I unpack and get set up for the rest of the summer.

This room I have is quite big, so there’s enough space for me to set up my sewing machine, and I already have a mannequin here that I never take down.

To stop myself from going crazy, I’ve decided to make the dress I designed to get into college.

That was what we were going to be doing for the fall semester. Since this dress is from one of Mom’s inspirations, I was actually planning to expand the collection and work on a portfolio for my application to Vogue.

That was the dream. I wanted to intern there when the time came. Now that will either never be, or if it happens, I’ll have a different name.

The first thing I thought of to carry out this plan of mine is to get money and change my name. With a name change, no one will be able to find me. Of course, I’d have to get to that part first, and that will be hard.

I’d need a good fake ID and a passport. I can’t go to Italy, so I was thinking of heading to France or Spain. I speak both Spanish and French so the language wouldn’t be a problem.

That’s as far as I’ve thought. Since I have no way of knowing how much any of this will cost, all I know is I’ll need a lot of money. The people I’m going to need help from aren’t going to be run-of-the-mill types with an office and registered company. They’re all underground, and I have no idea where to start.

There’s also the matter of worrying that once I start seeking help and Dad starts looking for me, those loyal to him won’t hesitate to turn me in. Better to be on the right hand of the devil than in his path.

I know I’m crazy for even thinking of escaping, but I’d rather be crazy than lie down and take whatever life throws at me for being Peter’s wife.

It’s nighttime when I finish unpacking and nearly bedtime, so I head into the shower and allow the cool water to calm me.

It can be stifling in Chicago at this time of year, so I always opt for a cold shower.

When I step out, I hear someone in the bedroom, so I assume it’s Cordelia.

I knew she’d come back early. It’s nearly ten, so this is early for her.

I run some mousse in my hair and opt to allow it to air dry so I can go talk to her while I moisturize my skin. I then drag on the robe hanging on the door and make my way out into my room.

When I see it’s not Cordelia waiting for me inside but Peter, I’m too late to turn back or do anything.

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