Malevolence

Chapter 15:

Please read the Writer's note before continuing to read this chapter.

Evelyn:

Earlier that day:

"Oh look who finally realized she has a life at this end of the world." Lydia ridicules as she leans against her front door, crossing her arms, eyeing me out – like a disappointed parent.

I sigh. "Would you stop? I said I would be here, and here I am."

I breeze pass Lydia, marching into her house and I walk straight to Toulouse, who is sleeping in his bed.

He looks awfully thin and his breathing is faster than usual.

This kitten is so young! How can he be so sick at such a young age? He's not even 2 years old!

I hear Sheila bark and I see her run outside to where Simba is waiting for her.

"Has Toulouse eaten anything since I last saw him?" I ask Lydia as she walks toward me, my voice trembling as I speak.

Lydia groans. "What do you care?"

I pull my brows together.

"And does it look like he has eaten anything recently?" she derides.

I sharply exhale, looking at Lydia in disappointment. "You don't have to be so rude."

"Don't I?"

"Stop it, Lydia. You are my friend. We have been for years, so why are you being so rude to me?" I snap, standing up. "You know you can tell me anything."

Lydia puts her hand over her heart, pretending to be concerned. "I'm sorry, but who has been looking after Toulouse for the past few weeks, without any help I might add?"

"That is –"

"And who has noticed that Toulouse stopped eating, and then called you to inform you?" Lydia places her hand on her ear, pretending to act like she cannot hear.

I exhale. "You cannot be serious, Lydia. I have looked after –"

"No you haven't!" Lydia screams. "You've completely ghosted me, your mother and freaking Toulouse since you got back together with Ransom. It's like he is the only important person in your life."

I sigh quietly. "That's not fair."

"How's that not fair?" Lydia barks. "You've hardly been staying at your house since Harlan's death, which means you've also hardly spent any time with Toulouse. A kitten you oh so loved and wanted to keep. You haven't spent time with me or your own mother. She told me you hardly speak to her anymore."

Lydia's right! I haven't really been speaking to my mother lately...I need to give her a call soon.

"I do love Toulouse and I have taken care of him!" I object. "And I just haven't gotten around to phoning my mother yet, but I will. Soon."

"Oh sure." Lydia snorts.

I huff. "Stop it Lydia! You're acting like a child."

"Oh really?" Lydia shouts, sounding like a baby.

"Goodness! Why are you being so rude to me?" I croak.

Dammit! I'm on the verge of crying.

But why am I?
"Maybe it's because I have been the one who has looked after Toulouse the longest. You on the other hand, have hardly been here to take your turn in helping with Toulouse."

"What?" I say in disbelief. "You think I've hardly looked after Toulouse?"

Lydia shrugs. "Well, you've spent most of your time with that asshole you call a boyfriend. You've barely spent time with me, your best friend."