Page 53 of Isolation

“So now you are the one body shamingme?”

“Would you rather that I lie?” she deadpans.

I grab the hem of my sweater and pull it up to my chest. “Could you please identify the parts that dissatisfy you? I'll start working on it.”

Raven flushes at my naked torso. She is turning fucking crimson.

I was just kidding, but I might never pull this sweater down if she keeps giving me that reaction.

“Umm…” Raven looks down with a shy smile instead of responding. “Umm…”

She can’t even make eye contact. Fuck. Me. If this is not the hottest thing I have ever seen.

I put her out of her misery and lower my sweater.

“I’ll start my diet tomorrow. It’s called the two-finger diet,” I fake gag with two fingers in my mouth. “Double the taste, zero the calories.”

“Ew. You are so gross,” she throws me a fake disgusted look.

“So, ready for your surprise?” I ask again.

“Are you having twins?”

“Yes, and they are yours,” I deadpan.

“You are just saying that to get me to pay you child alimony,” she retorts.

“Hell yeah, I am. I will show up at your door for my monthly checks.”

“So, youarepregnant?” Raven smiles excitedly.

“You get that out of your system?”

“Naaah,” Raven drawls, “I think I have a few more in me. Are you going to breastfeed?”

“Stop,” I roll my eyes. “Are you ready to do something fun? Want to go for a walk?”

“Wow, a walk,” she pulls out a mocking tone. “Someone call the party police.”

“Okay, Mrs. Sarcasma, do you want to go or not?”

“Duh,” she sighs. “But I need to take a shower and get changed first.”

“I’ll wait for you.” I give her a nod as she slowly gets up.

While Raven showers, I shoot Reid another text. Reid left a few weeks ago. Hesent exactly one email to our parents to let them know that he is fine.

No other contactother than that.

Reid has been absent from the family before for long stretches of time, so my parents aren’t overly concerned. However, I am worried.

I have tried every medium to reach him.

What would I even say if I did get in touch with him?

I don’t want him coming back here. I can’t deal with Reid being in the same room, the same house, or even the same planet as Raven.

After Raven fell down the stairs, Reid came by Raven’s room to check on her, only to find her sleeping on my chest. He stayed at the house long enough to ensure she was conscious.