Sighted

Chapter 13: Can We Have Like, One Moment, Please?

Gin

      As soon as I walk into the restaurant, I want to leave. I even turn to flee, but run into my parents, Mom grabbing my arm and turning me back around. She pushes me forward, making me stumble a little, towards the hostess counter.

      I had spoken over the phone with Alex earlier, in the morning when he was still at work. I could have gone inside the hospital and talked to him in person, but the thought of that made my heart feel like it had fallen into my stomach. Instead, I stayed at my stake-out point to call him.

Earlier That Day

Hello?

"Um, hi. Alex?"

Yes. This is... ?

"Uh, Gin. From yesterday?"

Yes, I remember. There's a slight pause.

How did you get this number?

"Uh... that's because.... Owen— It's not important. Actually, I have to ask you something."

Okay.

"Are you free today? For lunch?"

You want to have lunch with me?

"No! I mean, yes? I mean, I'll be there, too, but my... parents... want to meet you."

Your parents?

"Yes."

Today?

"You know what, you're busy. Don't worry about it, it's too much right now."

No, I was just checking my schedule. That works for me.

"It does? Really?"

You don't want to meet me, do you?

"No, of course, I do! I'll text you the place!"

Present Time

       After I abruptly hung up on Alex, I realized that I didn't actually have a place to eat picked out yet. I couldn't invite him over to the apartment, it was too crowded with all of us. I tried to call Owen, hoping he knew of a place that would offer a quiet, and private, atmosphere.

       However, after several tries, all of my calls were being sent to voicemail. I ended up calling Bowden, instead. The demon confirmed that Owen was home, but he told me, "Owen... is very upset." Bowden agreed to come and relieve me at the hospital so I could go home and prepare. Having the demon materialize so quickly is becoming incredibly convenient.

       Upon reaching home, I wished that I had put more weight behind Bowden's words, but I had assumed my brother was upset with our parents. The lamp hurled at my head led me to understand that was not the case.

       My brother was more furious than I'd ever seen. He knows well enough not to attack me bodily, but his accuracy with the lamp, the first thing he grabbed off his desk when I walked in, was spot on. I mean, I caught it before it hit me and it wouldn't have done any damage, but it was great aim none the less.

       There was a lot of yelling after that. I stood there and listened to him, not even trying to defend myself. I did know how the bracelet would work, after talking to Mom and Dad months ago, and I didn't tell him. That was all true. When he's in a mood to listen, I'll try to explain myself.