Page 14 of Forever Cursed

“It’s okay.” I force a smile and meet her gaze.

The light in her eyes dims, and the natural blush on her cheeks becomes more vibrant.

“It wasn’t always bad,” I start without thinking. “My mom used to make homemade pizzas. The dough and sauce were always from scratch. We would pick out our toppings and eat until our stomachs hurt.” Why am I telling her this? How is she pulling these memories out of me? A strange sensation of safety wraps around me.

Chrissy reaches for my hand and traces her thumb over mine.

She would never judge me, and I know so much about her. She can have this tidbit of information. Maybe then she’ll understand why I opt to stay alone and single. “It was only after she?—”

“Do I smell fancy pancakes?” Zack asks from the other room.

“Go back to sleep,” Chrissy yells, but he’s already on his way over.

“Don’t tell me what to do, woman.” Zack walks straight to the stack and moans when he places one in his mouth. Leaning hisback against the counter, he perks up at the sight of me. “Hey, man. When did you get here?”

Chrissy removes her hand from my thigh. My muscles twitch from the sudden loss of contact. She runs her hands through her hair and rests her elbows on the counter.

“About an hour ago. You would have noticed if you weren’t snoring,” Chrissy answers for me.

“I don’t snore.” Zack defends himself before taking another bite.

“Yes, you do!” Gwen’s voice sounds from upstairs.

“Where did you come from?!” Zack shouts so she can hear him.

“Your nightmares!” She cackles like a villain.

“Do you see what I have to deal with?” Zack asks me.

I throw my hands up, look down at my plate, and then pick up my fork.

“I’m going to plead the fifth and eat these fancypancakes.” My tone lightens, like the dark conversation Chrissy and I were just in the middle of didn’t happen.

“See, Rome is smart. Take a few lessons from him,” Chrissy lectures while pointing her fork at her brother.

Another pair of feet slap on the floor, and it’s not long before Gwen strolls in wearing one of Ash’s hoodies.

“Oh, pancakes,” she says while pushing Zack out of the way.

“Hey!” he grunts.

“Fuck off, Willows,” Gwen threatens while picking up a pancake and eating it dry.

“I was here first.” Zack tries to grab the plate, but Gwen dodges his hands.

“I said fuckoff. You’re so selfish.” Gwen bumps her shoulder into Zack, and it’s not long before they’re both fighting over the stack.

A smile spreads across my face as I watch the two of them. It must be nice to have a sibling, or in their case, someone who is like a sibling. It was only me growing up; being an only child isn’t what it’s all cracked up to be.

“I’m here if you ever want to talk,” Chrissy whispers as the two knuckleheads across the way bicker.

With a grim smile, I nod at her. “I appreciate that.”

I wish I could take her up on that offer, but I’ll only bother her if I do. Sometimes, the past is meant to stay in the past. And my secrets are meant to remain secret.

Chapter Eight

Chrissy

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