Freaks

34 • the offer

❝ the cat does not offer services. the cat offers itself.
of course he wants care and shelter. you don't buy love for nothing❞
ｗｉｌｌｉａｍ ｓ． ｂｕｒｒｏｕｇｈｓ

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  "ＩＳ that offer still on?"

As soon as the words leave her mouth, my face contorts in bewilderment. That offer—? She must have known I was joking when I said that so why is she...

My gaze shifts from Cass to Cole and my chest tightens in a way it hasn't for a while now. Cole regards me with an odd look on his face. Having him in front of me after so long is enough to almost make me forget everything else that's been going on this week. Almost. After a moment, I force myself to look away. I shouldn't get distracted. This isn't just a home-visit. This is something else.

"Well?" Cass prompts, hope tinging her voice.

"I don't really have much of a choice, do I?" I say, trying to maintain a stiff tone — though the smile playing on my lips threatens to betray me.

"I mean, our ride here has kinda already driven off and we've kind already brought all our stuff with us..." Cass says, tilting her head to the side and pointing to something behind her.

I look beyond her and Cole to see two large suitcases stationed at the bottom of the driveway.

Sigh.

I step to the side, opening the pathway between me and the doorway. "You guys owe me an explanation."

"In our defence," Cole says, "we did try to warn you beforehand. You weren't—"

"Hey, Em. Who was at the door—?" Aunt Vic's voice gradually increases as she nears the front room. As soon as she spots Cole and Cass, she stills, mystified. "You have guests...?"

"These..." I say reluctantly, "are my friends."

"You have friends?" Aunt Vic says, equally in awe.

Cole lets out a snort. I shoot him a glare.

"Yes, Aunt V, I've got friends. You know... from school. That school."

"That school..." Aunt Victoria repeats, slowly turning back to our guests, "so that means you two must also have..."

"Abilities? Yes, ma'am," Cass responds, with a little wave. "It's a nice to meet you, Mrs Banner. Emma has told us many things about you."

"Oh!" Her hand flies to her face, fingers resting lightly on her mouth. "Ma'am? Mrs Banner?" she shakes her head amusedly. "Call me Victoria, or Vic. Everyone does. It's nice to meet you as well, but as you can tell, Emma has unfortunately not told me many things about you."

"Can we not talk about me like I'm not here?" I interject.

"You're right, that can wait to later," Aunt Vic murmurs in response. "You two should come in. Is that your luggage back there? I can get my husband to help bring it in."

"It's okay, thanks," Cole responds hastily, backed up by Cass. "We can manage ourselves. We wouldn't want to intrude any further than we have already."