Page 125 of Revolt

Raff: Which one? I can run out and get you more.

Dal: What is body scrub?

Astro: I deny everything. However, if you happen to notice that my skin is silky smooth, I demand a lawyer.

QueenB: *Laughing emoji.*

Swallowing against the heartache, I hover my thumb over the keyboard, debating asking if they are okay, but then I remember I’m not supposed to care anymore.

I want to tell them this house is too big, but I don’t. I try to close my eyes and sleep when my phone suddenly vibrates. I scramble to answer it, hope choking me.

“Hello?”

“Reign, darling, are you okay?” The female voice is soft and worried.

“Who is this?” I ask, slumping when I realize it’s not them.

“Astro’s mom, Gloria. The boys called and told me everything. They are worried about you but didn’t want to hurt you, so I called.”

“They asked you to?” I murmur.

“No, those idiots beat around the bush. I called because I was worried and wanted to make sure you are okay. Are you?” she asks, her motherly voice making tears fill my eyes once more.

“No,” I rasp.

“Oh, sweetie.” There’s a thud. “Get your old ass up and pack the car. We are going to the city.”

“Wait, what?” Astro’s father mumbles in the background, and it makes me grin despite everything.

“The car,” she says exasperatedly, like it’s straightforward.

“Woman, it’s five in the morning. Go back to sleep.” There’s another thud. “You know, I heard divorces aren’t that expensive anymore.”

“Don’t tempt me,” she hisses. “Sorry, Reign. Carry on, love, what can I do?”

“Nothing, thank you. So . . . they told you everything?” I settle back, strangely comforted now that she called me, even if she is Astro’s mom.

“They did. The idiots. When I see them, I’m going to smack them blue. I’m so mad at them, Reign, so mad for you. I know they will have their reasons, they aren’t cruel for the sake of it, but that doesn’t make me less angry and hurt for you. Do you need me to come to you?”

Swallowing, I allow her words to flow through my mind. Their reasons . . . They kept saying that and I didn’t give them the time of day. Was I wrong? No, they lied to me, used me, and hurt me. I’m allowed to feel upset. No matter their reasons, they made the wrong choice. She is right though. They aren’t cruel for the sake of it.

“Reign, do you need me to come? Say the word and we are there. You are family now, and that means everything. They may be my sons, but I care for you a great deal,” she murmurs.

“No, thank you though. I really appreciate the offer and your call,” I admit. “I was feeling very alone.”

“Well, you aren’t. You’re family now too, and family doesn’t let each other hurt alone. Why don’t you come stay here for a little while?” she asks hopefully.

“I don’t want to run, not again. I need to face this, but I really am thankful. I think I’m going to try and sleep now . . . Mama?” I whisper. After all, she is the one who insisted I call her that before we left their house.

“Yes, my love,” she murmurs.

“Will you make sure they are okay?” I ask.

“Of course, now get some sleep. I’ll call you tomorrow. Good night, Reign.”

“Good night.” I hang up, cuddling the phone as my eyes close, exhaustion finally winning out.

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