Page 30 of Crossed

We’re at Mass again, and like usual, I’m bored out of my fucking mind. The only thing that holds me together is paying attention to Quinten, who’s just turned one and is currently fussing in Mom’s arms. Parker looks down at him and glares.

Mom immediately stiffens before nudging me with her elbow hard in the ribs and then passing Quinten over. “Take him somewhere else. He’s causing a scene.”

Indignation burns through my chest, but I take him from her and stand up from the pew, eyes falling on me as I interrupt the service to leave.

Quinten cries, his little chubby fingers gripping the front of my dress, and I smooth my hand over the back of his head as I carry him out and into the lobby.

We must be out here for twenty minutes, and I’ve plied him with those nasty raspberry tarts that are always next to the coffee. Now he’s passed out, sleeping peacefully on the cushioned bench in the hallway that leads to the offices.

“You’re good with him.”

I suck in a breath and spin around, coming face-to- face with Parker.

“You scared me.” I press a hand to my chest, looking behind him. “Is it over? Where’s Mom?”

He steps in closer, until I’m back against the wall. “No, I just wanted to give you your birthday gift.”

My stomach tenses. “Oh.”

“Nineteen’s a big number, huh?” His eyes strip me raw as they graze down my body, and my arms move in front of me like I can shield myself from his gaze.

Another step closer. I look over to Quinten, then back. “I— ”

“What the hell is this?” My mom’s voice pierces through the air, and I close my eyes, my heart dropping to my feet.

Parker backs up and smiles over at her. “Calm down, Chantelle. I’m just wishing your daughter a happy birthday.”

Her lips pinch as she glares between the two of us. “Service is over.”

Parker nods, stepping to her and gripping her by the back of the neck. It’s a power move, and I would swear a flash of panic flits through her gaze.

“Get yourself together, and then meet me out front. I don’t like to be kept waiting.”

The second he’s gone, her eyes are on me, sharp as a blade.

“Mom, it wasn’t— ”

“Quiet. Grab your brother, and let’s go.”

Swallowing back the words I want to say, even though I know they’ll be pointless, I move to where Quinten is and pick him up gingerly, letting his head rest on my shoulder while he continues to sleep.

We walk outside, through the people lingering in the narthex and into the main square. It’s a sunny day, and I soak in the rays as we walk down the front and past the gargoyles.

Mom stops short once we hit the bottom steps, and I run into her back. Quinten jolts awake and squirms until I let him down. “It’s okay, buddy,” I whisper.

He wobbles on his little legs, having just learned to walk a month ago. I keep his hand in mine.

My stomach drops when I follow my mother’s gaze and see her zoned in on Florence and Parker, smiling wide at each other in front of the world.

She storms over.

“Get away from him, you fucking slut!” she screeches so loud that I swear every single head turns our way, silence blanketing the square like it’s empty.

Florence looks over, her eyes widening. But she listens, and she takes a step away. And then she turns her gaze to me, and her features twist into a scowl. “You told her?”

I suck in a breath, shaking my head. What is she doing saying it out loud? Doesn’t she care that anyone can hear?

Mom whips her head toward me, her eyes blazing with betrayal.