Stranger

ch27

My brother was out to get me.

Remember the birthday party he mentioned when he casually popped back home? Yeah, well, he decided to have it this Saturday. Mind you, his actual birthday is on Wednesday. Also, it was at a pool. Also, also, he invited Devon too. So, yeah, he was definitely against me right now.

I have been avoiding the subject of Nora like it's the plague. Ever since my conversation with Devon, I haven't brought it up again. Not that I wasn't thinking about it, because I was, but I wasn't sure in my own decision right now. 

I had decided that I was going to talk to her, ask her what she knew about everything, ask her what she meant by offering me help, but I was scared to do it too. 

What if it came to a price? What if Devon's dad is connected to this all and was working behind the curtain? What if I'd put my family in danger in any way? What if Devon would be in danger because of me? There were a lot of things at stake here and I just couldn't risk anything. 

Curiosity was a dangerous thing as much as it was interesting. The talk with Nora had piqued and scratched my interest bone, but I also needed to bear in mind that my actions could have some terrible consequences if I wasn't careful enough. 

Devon was being dragged in this too, even though I didn't want that, but I doubt I have any say in it now. The knowledge that he would be there with me when I would eventually meet with Nora was calming, but also worrying. 

He had point out that Roger was the one that bothered him and after that, I was bothered by that idea too. Knowing that Roger could easily drop in and do something was terrifying, especially if he would go after Devon. 

So, for now, the subject was set aside. At least until this party was over. 

Ethan had called me yesterday to tell me about the time, the place and the dress code, like the last was really necessary. It was a pool, I don't know what he expected me to dress in except swimwear. Nude maybe? And he had reminded me to call Devon too. Someone to keep me company Ethan had said. Yeah, some company that would be. 

I had started panicking and getting anxiety right after I'd texted Devon yesterday and he'd quickly replied that he'll come. What I didn't appreciate was the fact that my own brother was giving me the news just a day before the said party because it didn't leave me enough time to think and come up with an excuse to not take Devon with me. And having my hormones on Devon's side, the decision was more than made for me. 

All this leaves me gawking at my swimsuit drawer, ruffling through the same things over and over again for the past two hours, figuring out what would be best to wear, what would be appropriate that is. Nothing about being half naked wasn't appropriate, but I was ignoring that fact .

"Still looking?" I jump startled at my mom's voice. 

"You scared me."-I say as I turn around, my hand over my chest as she laughs.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for that."-she says smiling apologetically. "I just came to see if you're close to ready. There's only one hour left and you should get going soon." I nod my head at her. 

"I know, I know."-I huff annoyed. "I just can't decide what to wear." Mom laughs again. "It really isn't that funny mom."-I scold.

"It really is, Evie."-she grins at me. "You just pick a swimsuit and put it on. That's all you need to do." I groan.

"Yeah, well, it doesn't feel that easy to me." 

"Alright."-she says coming to stand beside me. "Is there any reason that you want to dress up or something?"