Page 88 of The Right Garza

I giggle. “Of course you do silly, I’m freaking awesome.”

I skip off to the dresser and admire my new treasure in the mirror. “I can’t believe I own agold necklace,” I squeal. “Thank you so, so much for this beautiful gift. I love it!”

~

Rage fuels meas I haul piles of Torin’s clothes from his room and out onto the lawn.

Monica isn’t home to stop me or yell at me. Neither are Torin, Tripp, or Tillie. Just the twins, and those two know better than to get in my way when I’m irate.

I’m nicknamed Hellcat for a reason.

True is in the living room watching a baseball game like nothing’s happening.

Andheiswatching from his upstairs bedroom window.

With Mama’s sharp scissors I slice through Torin’s clothes, piece after piece, until they’re nothing but shreds. Then I douse them with gasoline from the garage, strike a match, and let it fall, stepping back as flames eat up the pile.

I glance up athisbedroom window. The lights are now off, but I know he’s still there watching me.He’s always watching me.

Satisfied with the flaming damage I’ve done, I cross the street to my house.

Why are there no tears? Aren’t you supposed to cry when you get your heart broken?

Ismy heart broken? What I feel most is shame. Indignance. Like I’ve been made a fool of. And, as a result of that shame, anger.

I’m just so angry.

So angry.

I stomp to my room and slam the door. It echoes through the house. Falling back against it, I slide down to the floor, willing myself to feel something;anythingother than unquenched rage.

In my pocket my phone pings, and I pull it out to see it’s a message fromhim.

Him: I’m here if you need me. I’ll always be here for you. Always.

I hiss a curse at my phone then block his number.

Then I delete it.

Then I do the same with all the other Garzas in my phone.

Screw them. Screw every last one of them.

The Garzas are dead to me.

Chapter TWENTY-SIX

“Grease and dairy don’t go well with fear.”

Lexi

“Open your eyes.”

Oh God.

No. I shake my head and squeeze my eyes tighter. I don’t want to see.

My face is wet with tears.