Page 10 of Petty Deadly Gorgeous

“Anna, someday you’ll be marr…”

“NO.” I stomped my foot. “How could you turn your back on your mother?”

A single tear dripped from her eyes. “I have to do what’s best for my family.”

“She is your family.”

“Anna, we call the shots. Not you.” Dad went to the fridge and pulled out a can of beer. “You’ll go tonight, say goodbye tomorrow and that will be the end of it.”

“The hell it will!” I snapped.

Mom’s hand popped out and across my face so fast I couldn’t breathe, causing me to drop my backpack to the floor. “You will not talk to your father that way.”

My teeth bit into my skin inside my mouth until I tasted blood. My nostrils flared, and I pursed my lips. “I’m going to Gran’s.”

“Have a good time. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

Oh, you’ll see me tomorrow, all right. For the last time.

I picked up my bag and stomped to the door, and let the door slam behind me. There wasn’t anything left to say to them. As I opened the car door, I slid into my seat and saw Gran wipe the tears from her face.

“I’m sorry, Gran.” I reached for her hand and held it in mine while we drove in silence across town to her bed-and-breakfast inn. She didn’t have any guests, so our time tonight would be for us.

It broke my heart that she couldn’t speak. My parents were being unfair to her and me, and they didn’t give two shits. We drove past the community center and saw there were still some people milling about.

“I…” Gran sniffled. “I hope the class was good for you.”

“Oh Gran. I’m so thankful I went to that class tonight.” I gave her hand a small squeeze.

Now that I know who I am, I know what I needed to do to stop my parents from being assholes.

Gran squeezed my hand back and gave me a wane smile. She made the last turn and drove up the road to the Serene Raven Inn. The inn had been in our family for decades and gained attention from all over. Some said ghosts haunted it. Some said magic lived there.

Our family had a small gift shop inside it where you could find potions, hex bags and Gran did tarot readings. Sometimes she even let me do readings. I liked the money I made from it and a child who could divine their future fascinated people.

She pulled up the long drive and parked in the carriage house. Her expression as she faced me fueled the anger inside me.

“Let’s go in.” I smiled.

She nodded, and we got out of the car and went inside, entering through the backdoor that led to the kitchen. I watched as she put the kettle on to make some tea. Sadness warred inside me with anger. Being here in Gran’s house, this is what home should feel like. And if my parents weren’t in the way, this would be my home. A soft sigh left my lips as I took the back stairs to put my bag up to my room.

The old stairs creaked when you stepped on them just right, but after all the years I’ve spent here, I knew where to step to avoid that. The front staircase was my favorite. It had solid wood banners, wide steps, and they were carpeted.

The ones from the kitchen were so the workers could deliver room service to the clients. And for the family to use as we needed to let the clients staying enjoy their stay without us interfering. At least that’s what I’ve always been told.

My foot hit the top landing with a stomp, and I ran the short distance down the hall, ignoring the paintings and tables to my room. Anger bubbled up in my chest, as I dropped my bag and grabbed my pillow, screaming into its soft muffling safety.

I could kill them for wanting to take me from Gran.

My fingers continued to clutch the pillow, and I ripped it in half as a plan formed in my head. I wanted to live here, with Gran. To learn and grow with her. Mom and dad fought all the time and I couldn’t take it anymore. I wanted peace.

Anna.

The soft voice floated to my ears, and my knees dropped to the hardwood floor as I pulled the book from my bag. My fingers tingled, feeling it in my hands, and I flipped through the pages, scanning for the right spell.

Love, no. Money, no. Beauty, no. Erase memories, no.

I looked up and scanned the room; I loved my antique metal bed, and the way the mattress cradled my body. All the furniture in this room I handpicked. The veneer covered wardrobe, long dresser and the set of bedside tables where I set my books that I read in bed.

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