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Turning back to me, Bou smiled. “Come on. Let’s go see what we’re working with.” She grabbed the other shopping bags and then took me to a bedroom that had a bathroom attached.
“Why don’t you try this on in the bathroom,” she suggested, holding out a tank top and jeans, “and I’ll pick through the rest of the clothes? That way you can have some privacy.”
I flicked my gaze back to the open bedroom door. “And Wilde?”
She glanced over her shoulder, but then shrugged. “He’s a big boy. He can entertain himself. Go on.”
Bou shooed me into the bathroom, and I changed, walking out in the first outfit. I was used to uncomfortable outfits, but the fabric gripped my breasts, pulling hard against my shoulders. Bou and I shared a look, and a silentnopassed between us.
Picking up another outfit, I turned around and walked back into the bathroom. We repeated the process, throwing clothes into two piles: keepers and hell nos. I did like some of the clothes, twirling infront of the mirror to get a better look at myself. I couldn’t remember the last time I looked at myself in a mirror besides quick glances.
I didn’t recognize myself. It wasn’t the clothes, but the woman I had grown into.
“Cook mentioned that you’re good in public,” said Bou.
I turned away from my reflection. “As opposed to?” A rabid dog?
She frowned. “I’m just saying you’re doing really well, Maddie. Some of the kids from Signora’s... they’re really fucked up.”
“We had really fucked up things done to us.” I picked through the clothing I hadn’t tried on.
“Melanie’s been asking about you,” said Bou suddenly.
I stilled. If I said nothing and did nothing, maybe I would fade into the background.
She didn’t seem to notice. “Wilde and Lanie’s man, Angel, go way back.”
I made a sound in the back of my throat, hoping she’d drop the subject.
No such luck.
“Your sister’s quick as a whip,” she pressed. “Very strong—”
“Stop.” I grabbed more clothes from the bed and headed into the bathroom. The door slammed shut behind me.
Immediately, I turned on the fan for the noise and changed. Why did everyone keep bring up Melanie? Cook and Bou and the doctors. I didn’t want to see her, though. Melanie grew up with our mom and dad. She had family. Freedom. Education and all the things normal kids got.
She kept what was ripped away from me when I was twelve. I didn’t know if I was jealous, running from my past, or if I was just a different person from when I’d been taken. Still, I didn’t want to face my twin. Blood be damned; we really weren’t sisters anymore.
Why couldn’t anyone understand that? Why did they so desperately want me to see her?
I slipped the shirt over my head, already hating it. I had only grabbed something so I could leave the situation.
A rumble of voices echoed from the other side of the door. They were too low to be Bou’s or another female. Who else had they brought to Cook’s house? I whipped open the bathroom door, coming face to face with Cook. His head was bent, talking to Bou sitting on the bed, and Wilde stood between them. All three heads swiveled toward me, and I tried not to bristle.
I hugged myself, not wanting to be on display for their entertainment.
Well, maybe for Cook, but the others could leave.
“I got some food and cleaning supplies,” he said, inclining his head toward the kitchen and living room. “I see you started mopping.”
“I was interrupted.” I chewed my cuticle on my thumb.
“We startled her,” said Bou. “All good now, though. Right Maddie?”
Cook squinted at me, then said, “Wilde, I need to speak to you outside.”
My shoulders deflated. He just got here, and he was leaving again? Didn’t he want to see the new clothes he asked Bou to bring over? Or didn’t he want me to cook the food he brought? Instead, he and Wilde headed out of the bedroom, and I almost chased him down. But for what?
