STRANGE LOVE | RAFE CAMERON |

PART 20: | SECOND SISTER |

Allison laid back against the pillow, her phone slipping from her fingers and landing softly on the bed beside her. The conversation with Rafe played over and over in her mind, his words looping endlessly like a broken record. There was an unsettling feeling she couldn't shake—a sense that something was fundamentally wrong. Ever since the day Sheriff Peterkin was killed, Rafe had been different. He was more on edge, more secretive, and no matter how hard Allison tried, she couldn't quite put her finger on what was bothering him.

As she stared at the ceiling, her thoughts spiraled, chasing after elusive answers. Just then, her phone rang, cutting through the heavy silence. The sudden noise made her jump, and she reached for it quickly, seeing Jessica's name flashing on the screen. She took a deep breath, trying to push her worries aside, and answered the call.

"Hey, Jess," Allison said, forcing a cheerful tone into her voice.

"Hey, girl! How are you?" Jessica's voice was bright and full of energy, the sound of music and laughter in the background making it clear she was at some sort of gathering.

"I'm fine," Allison replied automatically, though she didn't feel fine at all. "How about you?"

"Great! We're having a little get-together at our place. You should come by! Bring Rafe too," Jessica invited, her words slightly rushed as if she was trying to coax Allison into agreeing.

Allison hesitated for a moment before responding. "Rafe's in the Bahamas. He had to go for some business," she explained, her voice tinged with a faint trace of melancholy.

"Oh, okay. Then just come alone! I really want to see you," Jessica urged.

Allison paused, considering her options. She didn't really feel like being around people, but at the same time, the thought of sitting alone with her thoughts all night was even less appealing. "Okay, I'll be there in fifteen minutes," she agreed, hoping the distraction would help.

After hanging up, Allison moved to her closet to pick out something to wear. She needed to clear her head, even if just for a few hours.

As Allison was getting ready, Wheezie wandered into the room, her curiosity piqued by the sight of Allison dressed up.

"Hey, are we going to watch TVD?" Wheezie asked, bouncing onto the bed with the energy only a thirteen-year-old could muster.

Allison glanced at her with a small smile. "Hey, Wheez. I'm actually going out tonight, but I bought you some snacks so you can watch it by yourself," she explained, returning her focus to the mirror as she fixed her hair.

"Like to a party?" Wheezie asked, her excitement evident in her wide eyes.

"Yeah, my friends are throwing a small party. Just please don't mention it to Rafe. He doesn't want me leaving the house," Allison said, her voice carrying a hint of concern.

Wheezie's expression shifted as she processed the information. After a moment, she grinned mischievously. "I won't tell him if you take me with you," she bargained, crossing her arms in a mock show of defiance.

Allison turned to look at her, surprised by the bold suggestion. "You can't go with me, Wheezie. You're thirteen."

"So?" Wheezie shot back, her eyes wide and pleading.

"So... There's alcohol and drugs, and your parents would kill me if I took you to a party," Allison pointed out, trying to reason with her.

"They won't find out. Dad's not here, and Rose thinks I'm sleeping," Wheezie argued, her tone insistent.

Allison sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "And Rafe?" she asked, knowing the mention of her brother might sway Wheezie.

"What about him? He literally offered me drugs when I came to visit him, don't you remember?" Wheezie countered, raising an eyebrow.