Page 34 of The Devils They Are

Mom looks at me, a ghost of a smile appearing. "Who knows? In a few years, maybe my beautiful daughter will be walking down the aisle."

I snort, not wanting to burst her bubble, but truthfully, I'm not sure I'll ever get married.

Men are great for orgasms. But life commitment? The jury is still out on that one.

"We'll see," I tell her, not keen to fully destroy her mental image of me dressed like a white, fluffy cupcake.

"Head down the hall to the laboratory and get your bloodwork drawn," Doctor Lavings directs, sitting down and typing on his computer. "Our in-house team will be able to fast track the results to me. Given it's for SSI reporting, I expect we should have them back within twenty-four hours. I'll have my receptionist schedule an appointment for tomorrow, that way we can decide straight away what you would like to do. In the meantime, I'll collate some information regarding rehabilitation for you."

She throws him a panic-stricken look. Noticing, he smiles gently.

"You wouldn't need to attend a facility if you didn't want to. There are many support options available, and I'll support whichever route you choose. But we'll need to decide and set up a management plan, as if you intend to return to the workforce in the near future, we'll have to notify Social Society. The last thing you want is to be in debt for an overpayment."

I nod, squeezing Mom's hand. "That's right. We'll work it out together. This is a good thing, Mom."

"I know," she breathes out, giving me a shaky smile. "I'm just…"

The words remain unspoken, but I know. I'm scared too—but life is meant to be scary. How would we build character if we weren't challenged?

Doctor Lavings beams at me. "Little Miss Bex is correct. We'll support you, Savanna. And Bexley," he pauses. "You're due for your annual check-up too."

After our trip to Olive Garden, I waddle back to my bedroom when we arrive home, feeling more stuffed than I have in years.

There was a fraction of guilt at how much we had spent today—the two of us also taking a quick trip to the spa, but I always say that memories are more important than money.

Money will always come back again, but memories? You can't replace them.

Mom and I said goodnight as she went for a shower before an early sleep. She's doing fantastic this week, but I know fighting those mental demons is exhausting. The best thing she can do is sleep, to silence them when they creep out of the shadows at night.

But as for me, I'm completely wired. Part of me is scared to go to sleep, worried I'll wake up and it will have all been a dream, or that she'll be gone again.

Packing my bag for tomorrow, I snuggle into bed, scrolling on my cell when an unknown text comes through. It's a new number, since I blocked Tai's, but I can guess with accurate certainty who it belongs to.

Unknown:Spencer. Give me my damn credit card back. You weren't at school today. I swear to God if you put any more charges on it, I'll wipe you from the face of the Earth.

Snorting, I start writing back a reply to Rylan. I'm in such a good mood from today that not even he can ruin it.

Bexley:Maybe I underestimated you, Rylan. I thought you didn't have a heart. But that generous donation to the conservation of wildcats was selfless. Don't worry, I'm sure you can deduct charitable contributions on your tax return.

I see the little bubble pop up immediately as he writes back, grinning to myself. It was perfect, donating to something he associates with hate.

Rylan:I'm serious, Spencer. Just give me the card back and we'll call it even.

Bexley:We're not even close to being even, Astor. You started this war. I was more than happy to be amicable, but you all crossed the line. I'm just giving back what you deserve. If you want it to stop, then you know what to do.

The idea of Rylan Astor giving in and admitting defeat is slim-to-none, but I mean what I said.

It doesn't have to be like this. Our feud can stay in the warehouse, just like it was intended to be. But if they continue to push me, I'll fight back. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and they have a lot more to lose than I do.

I expect some snarky reply, but his next message manages to shock me.

Rylan:Meet me tomorrow after detention. Just us two.

This is a trap, for sure. But I'm interested in hearing what he has to say.

It will require some logistical planning with Arch, to make sure they don't ambush me. But alright—let's see what the great Rylan Astor has to say for himself when his castle is crumbling.

Bexley:Fine. 4 o'clock sharp. Text me the location. But if you even so much as think of pulling a fast one, just know that yesterday was a warm-up.

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