Attention What If

Chapter 28

POV: Darleen

I stare at the ceiling in Skylar's room, Skylar asleep in my arms. I wasn't able to get a single wink of sleep last night. All I could think about was how my aunt... my birth mother... hired someone to spy on me and all the girls I date. She crossed a line, a big one, and I'm not sure what to do about it.

I feel so... violated.

After Skylar spent hours explaining herself to me, which I told her she didn't have to but she insisted, the two of us cleaned up the house to get ready for the Christmas party today. Skylar telling me everything did help me understand her a little better.

I know now that when she feels cast aside and lonely, that's when she's more likely to stray. When she's insecure about herself, that's when she goes to Jade. Jade has a way of reminding Skylar of who she is. Jade has a history with Skylar, a history that comforts Skylar. Skylar knows she can depend on Jade for anything, even when the two of them aren't speaking or are fighting. Even now, when they are broken up, Skylar can still depend on Jade.

I sigh and turn my head, looking out the window as the wind whistles through the barren trees. Ace stirs somewhere in the room, the jingle of his dog tags on his collar registering to my ears. I glance down at Skylar, she's still sound asleep. Her mouth is slightly ajar, her breathing deep and heavy, her eyes occasionally shifting under the lids.

I smile and run my hand through her soft ginger hair.

It's still too early for me to get up and walk Ace, plus I don't want to force her to move. So I'll wait.

My phone dings on the nightstand and I reach for it with my free arm, snagging it off the charger.

A text. It's from Aunt Matilda.

'We need to talk about what happened yesterday, I would like a chance to explain myself to you.'

I narrow my eyes at the text before quickly typing a response.

'I don't think there is anything left to explain. I can't believe you've hid this from me for years. What is wrong with you?' I send.

She quickly replies,

'Please don't be mad at me, I was just trying to look out for you.'

'I can look out for myself just fine.'

'I'm sorry.' She responds.

I sigh and stare at the screen, unable to respond to that. I wonder if, like me, Matilda stays awake all night when something is bothering her. Maybe so, why else would she text me so early in the morning? I wonder if I get that from her.

I set my phone back down and resume staring at the ceiling. I just don't know what to do with her. I know she's technically my mom, but... she had no right. Not even my parents would do something like that. It's just wrong.

I feel guilty for putting Skylar through all that. Even after Skylar said all those nice things about me, even though Skylar opened her heart to Matilda, she still rejected her. I know that wasn't easy for Skylar, and to make it worse she finds out Matilda was spying on her. I could tell she was really shaken up by everything.

Why is my life so fucked up?

I close my eyes, finally letting sleep take me.

"Darleen!" I'm jolted awake by Skylar a few hours later.

"Huh, whu?" I sit up, still really tired.

"We slept in too long! People are going to be here any minute and we didn't even cook!" Skylar panics.