Page 9 of Press Play

A series of chimes sound from the corner of my room. Taking my time, I stroll over to my computer, plop back down, and read through the missed messages.

Glavnir:Are you still there?

Glavnir:Did I say something wrong?

Glavnir:Wren, please say something.

Glavnir:It’s been twenty minutes, and I’m getting worried.

Glavnir:Fuck it, I’m coming over.

The last message makes my eyes bug out. I scramble back up, grab a hoodie, and pack my computer in my book bag. While I fumble with shoving clean clothes into my bag as well, Mom calls from downstairs, and panic spreads in my veins.

“Theo, how nice to see you.” Her faux, singsong tone curdles my stomach.

“Where’s Wren?”

Shit, he’s pissed. I need to get downstairs before he says something he shouldn’t. The last time he said something in my defense, Mom turned red and stormed into the kitchen, slamming every cabinet she could. Theo had smirked because he pissed her off.

To this day, he doesn’t know I got a verbal lashing for how he treated her. She “didn’t do anything” to deserve being talked to in that manner. She’s a good mom, takes care of her children, and loves me no matter what. If you ask me, it’s total bullshit.

I appreciate Theo for standing up for me, but sometimes, it’s best to stay quiet.

With my bag over my shoulder, I leave my room and head down the stairs as swiftly as my body will allow.

“Sorry,” I say out of breath. “I lost track of time.”

Theo smiles at me, but his eyes tell a different story. “That’s okay, Mom is outside.” He nods toward her car, and I sigh in relief. The walk to Theo’s isn’t far, but my muscles would give out on me within a block.

“I’ll be back tomorrow, Mom.” I offer her a smile, and she returns it with a fake one.

“Have fun, love you.” After a kiss on my temple, I pull away from her and walk beside Theo.

When the front door closes, he leans closer and asks, “Did you eat today?”

I shake my head, and he sighs while draping his arm over my shoulders. “Thought so. Mom and I stopped by that sandwichplace that has gluten-free bread. We can go home, head straight to my room, eat, and watch that anime show you were telling me about.”

The tears I’d fought off before slide down my cheeks. I don’t say anything, and I don’t have to. Theo knows how I’m feeling; right now, he knows all I need is to be with him. That’s why he came for me. That’s why he asked his mom to pick me up because he knew I didn’t have the strength to walk.

He opens the car door for me, and I climb in.

“There she is. How are you today, my love?” Mal beams at me.

Her black curls are pulled back into a bun. She’s wearing her scrubs, and guilt pits in my stomach.

“Don’t, Wren,” Theo states while sliding into the back seat beside me. “Mom insisted once I told her. Don’t apologize.”

I shove my face in my hands and allow myself to cry.

Mal reaches back and squeezes my knee before saying, “We’ll take care of you, mi niña. Let’s get you out of here.”

When she retracts her hand, Theo is quick to scooch to the middle seat, fasten his seat belt, and pull me into his embrace. He cradles me the entire car ride, rubbing my back and soothing me while I sob.

I thought family was supposed to be there for you, not make you cry and despise who you are. How come Theo and his mom treat me better than my own blood? Why do I feel safe and loved with them but not in my home? What did I do to deserve this?

“I’ve got you.” He brushes my hair away, and his lips graze against the shell of my ear. “You’re safe with me. I swear. It’s you and me, no matter what.”

Chapter Five

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