Page 7 of Satan's Spawn

“But this is a good thing, baby,” Mom adds. “It’ll prepare you in every way for Stanford. You can use some socialization, too. You’ve missed out on so much since—” Her voice cracks, unable to finish the sentence, but it doesn’t matter.

We both know what she meant.

Since we lost my dad.

In retrospect I know she has a point. Plus, a huge house on the hills is one thing, but the last thing I need is to be stuck in another condo with the two of them during their honeymoon stage– regardless of the state we’re in.

I’ve always been willing to do whatever it takes to get into Stanford, and if Roman is right about this school putting me at the top of the list, shouldn’t I at least give it a shot?

I should, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Especially knowing what I’ll be leaving behind.

I drag my eyes to my fat baby asleep on the couch, not a care in the world. “I can’t leave Potato.”

“You’ll see him on weekends and can visit after school; it’s well within walking distance to the condo.”

It’s as if Mom anticipated every single one of my responses and prepared the answers perfectly for them. I would be impressed if only she wasn’t flying me over two thousand miles out of my comfort zone.

“Well, I guess I don’t really have a choice, do I?” I concede, and mom brings me in for a hug.

“I have a great feeling about this, Bex. Big things are happening.”

Hopefully not too soon, because I want to at least finish out the rest of the summer before being subjected to blistering cold weather.

“How long do I have?” I grumble, resting my cheek against her shoulder.

Mom chuckles. “You make it sound like you’re dying.”

A part of me feels like it is.

“Please tell me we have at least till the end of August to move.”

More silence between the both of them, and I groan.

“The beginning.” I can hear the wince in her words.

Fan-freaking-tastic.

“Why do you hate me?” I ask through a whine.

Bringing her lips to my ear, mom whispers, “Because you got the better titties, duh.” I roll my eyes when she pulls out of our embrace. “I knew I could count on my baby girl to understand.”

Of course she knew because, like I said earlier,I’m too damn reliable.

2

BEX

Closing my eyes, I drag in a breath, inhaling the salty air as the warm sand beneath my feet trickles through my toes.

I can hear the clashing of waves, along with seagulls mewing in the distance.

It’s my white noise, my solace, the only place I’ve ever felt completely whole.

La Jolla cove was always my father’s favorite place to spend the day: between snorkeling and picnics, the rocky shores, and even the sea caves we used to explore together.

Everywhere here has memories of us, and now I’m being stripped away from them.

From him.