Page 87 of Freaks Of Nature

My mother’s call woke me shortly after Ash left for work. She’s heard about the recent string of murders on the news and wanted to make sure that I’m not being reckless with my safety walking at night.

I couldn’t confirm the ‘not being reckless’ part, but Ididassure her that I was safe, and luckily she didn’t press for details. I didn’t want to mention that instead ofoneguy watching out for me, I havetwo.

I catch a rustle through the speaker as she adjusts the phone by her ear while shuffling around the kitchen. A pan sizzles over fire. She’s cooking breakfast.

“I ran into Nate the other day at the farmers market,” Mom chitchats on in a merry tone. “He was with his new girlfriend.”

I hug Ash’s comforter closer to my naked body, feeling suddenly exposed. “Good for him,” I reply. “I’mglad he’s moved on.”

I harbor no ill will toward Nate. It took me a long time to realize we weren’t a good match, and calling our engagement off was as much for his benefit as mine. Still, I feel a twinge in my stomach.

“Her name is Sarah. Lovely young woman. She owns a pastry shop in town.”

My mother’s words come out offhandedly, but something strikes a chord. I wonder if she considers me a failure. I’m broke, I live in a crappy apartment, and I’m stuck in a minimum wage job with no prospects of getting out any time soon.

“I invited them over for dinner this weekend.”

The fingers of my free hand curl toward my palm involuntarily, bunching the soft fabric in my lap as I swallow the bitter taste in my mouth.

I force my voice soft. “How nice.”

I think I’m gonna be sick.

“Soooo,” Mom drawls inquisitively, “What about you? Are you seeing anyone?”

I knew the question was burning on her mind, but I won’t disclose my current situation with her. I know she will disapprove and think I’m a whore for my choices.

Was I seeing someone? Yes. But…

“I’m not dating anyone,” I reply on reflex.

“Oh well. I’m sure you’ll meet someone soon. You’ve only been there a short while,” she reasons. “Are you coming home for your birthday? We would all love to see you.”

My shoulders sag with a long sigh. I shake my head. “I don’t know.”

My birthday is still a few weeks away, and I haven’t yet decided whether I want to take a few days off to make the long drive.

Especially now that my parents have replaced me.

I sit up straight. “Listen, Mom, I gotta go,” I tell her to end the call.

“Oh, okay, honey.” Her hair whispers into the phone with the abrupt shift in her posture. “Call soon, alright?”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

I hang up and drop my phone into my lap. It shouldn’t have surprised me. My parents have always loved Nate and treated him like a son. Even without me by his side, they still consider him family.

Iwas the broken one.

They resented me for calling things off. There had to be something wrong with me. In their eyes, he was perfect—handsome, polite, successful. Why couldn’t I make it work?

Maybe there reallyissomething wrong with me, I reflect, but I’ll be damned if there isn’t someone out there who can match my freak.

I swing the comforter off my legs and slip out of bed to get dressed even though I still have hours to spare. Since my mother’s call woke me early, I figure I can take the opportunity to do some sleuthing.

I still haven’t seen Mason’s room.