Hawthornes always seemed to weave their way into Evelyn Hastings's life one way or another. Other than one persistent Hawthorne, Evelyn had never really spoken directly to any of them. But lately, a new Hawthorne has been appearing too much, prying...
"I'm having friends over, so you are not allowed to stay," Max said, pushing Evelyn out the front door toward Elliot's car.
"Don't let anyone bang in my bedroom, please,"
As Evelyn walked away, Evelyn turned to announce her departing message. "Fuck you!"
"You too!" Max said, waving her away.
Evelyn passed Naomi on her way to Elliot's car, offering her a small smile and getting into Elliot's car.
"Excited to grade some homework?" Elliot asked, looking at Evelyn in the rearview mirror.
"What."
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Evelyn's head shot up at the shriek of the doorbell.
"I'll get it," Elliot said, the leather of his chair squeaking as he got up. Once Elliot had opened the door, they could hear the sound of urgent knocks, louder and louder with each one. After clicking and clacking all of the locks the door hinges squeaked, Elliot's voice following soon after.
"Andie, you aren't supposed to be here," his muffled voice said lowly. Some shuffling came from outside, then Andie's voice joined.
"Whatever," Andie's voice was louder, more clear. Tennis shoed footsteps grew closer but stopped right before the door.
"You know that you're a disgusting fucking perv, right?" Andie shouted from behind the door.
"Excuse me?" Elliot asked, his voice sounding bewildered.
"All I wanted was to stay with Sal and get out of this sick town. That's the only reason I would ever need you. That's the only reason I ever talked to you! You were so lonely and desperate that you probably would've banged anyone, huh?" Andie's voice became higher.
"Sick town?"
"Yes! This place is killing me and I need to get out, Elliot," her voice calmed.
"Okay, Andie, let's calm down and talk more about this. Somewhere more private." Never tell Andie to 'calm down'.
"Don't tell me to calm down! And don't touch me either!" The loud sound of a smack, the screech of shoes against the floor, and then the door burst open. Andie looked down, her eyes meeting Evelyn balled up in the corner.
"Evelyn?"
"Hi, Andie," she whispered.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, looking around the room, her gaze lingering on the paintings done two years prior by Mrs. Ward.
"You know how Sal is at my house right now?"
"Yeah."
"Max maybe, sort of, kind of kicked me out, and now I have to grade homework. With my friend's dad." She shrugged.
Before Evelyn could blink, Andie ran toward the paintings; her nails clawing through the canvas.
