Page 100 of Make Me Pretty

I never thought I’d see the day my bratty, unbreakable runt would finally take a hit. But it’s here, and I…

I really fucking hate it.

“It will be,” I try, taking another step. His eyes are wide—deer in the headlights.

Please don’t run.

What is happening?

“You have nofuckingidea who she is or what’s about to happen.” His head falls back as a loud, chilling cackle bounces off the ceiling and slithers down my spine. I reach for him, barely skimming the sleeve of his hoodie before he jerks away.

“I should’ve stepped on a crack. I should’ve–why didn’t I?” he mutters to the floor, head shaking back and forth so fast,I’m dizzy.All I can do is stare at him, washed in dread and confusion.

“Abel, what are you talking about?”

His teeth clack together. “Fuck, I’m gonna be sick.” And then, he’s rushing down the hall, bathroom door slamming shut behind him so hard, the pictures rattle on the walls.

I stare at the empty space he left behind, unsure what to do or how to feel with this gurgling inferno inside of me. It’s slithering through my viscera, shedding me apart one piece at a time.

I wasn’t worthy.

Never could be.

A knock sounds at the door—softer than the first one but no less jarring.

I know who it is. What she wants.

What she’s going to do to me. To him.

To us.

And it makes me scream.

THIS IS NOT THE END.

NOT EVEN CLOSE.