Page 36 of Royal Havoc

I spin beside the Jeep, hand already reaching for the handle. “Vex is wrong. I’m fine,” I assure firmly, hating the thought that he’s been talking about me. “See you around.” I wave, jumping into the driver's seat before she can speak.

I’m reversing from the spot before she’s reached her car.

eighteen

Dimples

Tulip: 2011 Age: 14

Thank goodness B was right, and I didn’t die. I’ve got so many things I want to do first. Although, getting my period wasn’t one of them.

I finish braiding my long blonde hair using the little mirror Dr. Bolton let me have. My cheeks are starting to hurt from the constant smile I’ve been wearing since my eyeballs opened this morning.

Today’s my fourteenth birthday, and Dr. Bolton told me he had a special surprise for me.

Things changed after that awful night a few months ago. Once I spilled the beans about Hazel’s lies and Dr. Bolton saw how she treated us, he got rid of her. He even let me help.

My promise to B came true, and we never have to go back to those filthy cells again. Instead, we get to stay in the pretty white hall, in our very own rooms, with comfy beds and a window. Fine, the window has bars, but at least we can see outside.

“Happy Birthday, Tulip,” Dan tells me from outside the door.

Dan’s much nicer than Tobias, but he’s bigger, and his muscles and beard kind of freak me out. I was told Tobias got moved to another part of The Row after everything went down with Hazel.

“Thank you, Dan.” I smile, hurrying to the middle of the room, holding my arms out to my sides before turning in a circle slowly. Once I’m facing him again, I pull out my pockets so he can see they’re empty.

“All clear,” he announces, opening the door, then waits while I step into the hall and slip on my cheap white canvas shoes. “Brock’s in the lounge,” he tells me as we walk down the shiny hall together.

Clapping my hands. “Yay.” I giggle.

I’ve recently decided boys don’t have cooties after all if I’m telling the truth, which I am because Dr. Bolton expects the truth. No matter what. Anyway, I think I got a crush on B, which is gross but awesome at the same time.

The lounge is the visitor’s room for those with families and friends. Brock and I have gained the privilege of getting to visit each other since we don’t have anyone else.

Blue walls decorate the room, reminding me of B’s eyes. Chairs and small sofas are for guests, and my favorite spot is the wall of windows with small tables and chairs. From the top of the hill where we are, you can see all the way down to the river. Not to mention there are tons of pretty trees and flowers.

He’s sitting at our usual table towards the back, staring outside. I swear, every time I see him, his muscles get bigger, and he looks taller today for some reason.

He stands when he sees me. “Happy Birthday, princess.”

I smile up at Dan and wait until he nods down at me. I scurry around the table, giving B a huge hug. Butterflies immediately start flapping their wings against my tummy.

Once we’re both seated across from each other, our hands laced on our own sides of the table, Dan leaves us alone.

“You look pretty today,” B compliments me, making my pale cheeks heat. “Bolton let you have a purple jumper?”

I glance down, then back up at him. “I’m too pale to wear ugly orange,” I groan, hating the stupid orange shirts and pants.

He laughs, shaking his head. “I know you hate orange. Are you eating?” he asks seriously.

Rolling my eyes dramatically. “Yes,” I sigh. “Pretty soon, our rooms will be together. I promise. Then you won’t have to ask so many questions.”

“Boys and girls are separated,” he reminds me, flexing his hands.

That was the worst. I cried for days after they moved us apart. B’s the only reason I started sleeping again. He makes me feel safe.

“I haven’t broken a promise yet.” I wink, giggling at his mean face.

“Happy Birthday, princess,” Dr. Bolton greets me, appearing beside our table.

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