Page 39 of Wicked Nasty

Feeling numb, I stuff the letters into my car and make my way into school, where I force myself to focus on my studies, pushing aside the complicated feelings that swirled within me.

As I make my way through my first classes of the day, my mind is already dreading the next one with Danny. After what happened last night... I can't even bear to face him.

I quickly go to my car and start driving, needing to escape from it all. I end up at the truck stop, a place that brings me comfort.

Liz comes rushing over to me with open arms. I embrace her tightly, grateful for her always cheerful appearance.

Jim joins in on the hug as well. "It's so good to see you, girl! How have you been?"

I shrug, not wanting to dwell on my current circumstances too much. "It's not terrible. Not what I wanted, but..."

Jim finishes my sentence, "But a home is what's best for you, not a car."

I force a smile and nod in agreement. He’s not wrong and we both know that.

Liz laughs and pushes a birthday card toward me. “Just a little something from me and Jim. Did you go crazy last night? Have a wild night out?”

My heart drops as I realize I completely forgot about my birthday. "Oh god, I totally forgot."

Jim’s mouth drops open. “How can you forget such a big birthday? Eighteen is huge!”

With a heavy sigh, I explain why birthdays have never been something I look forward to. "My mom always had these big parties that I hated," I admit. "She would invite all of her friends and maybe one of mine if I was lucky. It was always over the top and never fun. I just wanted something simple.”

Liz takes my hand in hers. “Damn girl, that sucks. You should throw your own party this year and do whatever makes you happy!"

Jim nods. “I agree! What is one thing you want this year? Something you’ve always wanted.”

All I can do is shrug. “Nothing. I’ve gotten everything I’ve ever asked for. I admit I lived a pretty privileged life..”

Jim puts his arm around me. “Just because someone has money doesn't mean they don't have problems. What have you always craved?"

My thoughts immediately turn to Katya. I can feel my smile spreading across my face. “Katya.”

Liz frowns. “What is a Katya?”

I laugh. “Katya is a person. My childhood au pair, who was the only one to show me love and affection.” I can feel myself tearing up. “She was the one mother figure in my life. I would wish every year that she would be my mom.”

Jim pats me on the back. “Where is she now?”

Shrugging, I fight past the tears. “Gone. My mother fired her, forced her out of our home, and banned her from speaking to me. I’ve tried for years to find her, but I’ve had no luck.”

Liz sniffles, a tear rolling down her cheek. “Oh my god, girl.”

Jim pulls me into a giant hug. “Don’t you fret anymore. I’ll help you find her. Just write down everything you know about her. Your devil mother…”

I sit up and nod. “That’s one way to describe her.”

Liz chuckles and wags her eyebrows at me. “How is living with your little crush?”

Jim frowns. “Crush?”

Rolling my eyes, I can’t help but laugh at him. “Danny. He is not my crush. Just a kid. I go to school with who’s family took me in.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. You guys kiss and make up finally?”

My mind replays what happened last night and Liz gasps.

“Oh. My. God. You did!”

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