Page 52 of Deceived Wrath

This week has been the longest week of my life, save for maybe the week that Carly died. I’m emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted, if that’s even possible.

When I finally make it home, I don’t even bother going into the bathroom to wash my face. I would rather take the hit to my skin than spend another second not being tucked up in my bed.

After pulling on an old college tee and some sweats, I plug my phone into the charger beside my bed and check my messages in case Zoe needs me, but there’s nothing but radio silence.

I’m about to shut it off when a call from Joe lights up the screen.

I bolt upright and answer the call, my heart pounding so hard it beats in my throat.

“Joe? What’s wrong?” I ask, panicked.

“Aunty Fi?”

I would recognize that voice anywhere.

I swallow a sob of relief as I collapse back against the pillows, clutching my phone like it’s a lifeline. “Oh, my god, Amber.”

“I have to be quiet. Daddy’s sleeping.”

“Amber, honey, how did you get this phone?”

“I took it from Daddy’s pocket.”

I know I should tell Amber off, but I’m too overjoyed to be hearing her sweet little voice that I don’t have the heart to be mad.

“I have to be quiet,” she whispers.

“Oh, sweetheart, you have no idea how much I’ve missed you,” I manage to say despite the tears that are pouring down my face.

“When are you going to visit me?”

I hold the phone away from my ear as I take a shuddering breath. I don’t want Amber to hear how upset I am because I know how she worries. She’s just like me in that sense.

“Soon, I promise.”

“Good because then you can share my chocolate pudding. I’m allowed one every day.”

“You get pudding every day, huh? Sounds like you’re being spoiled.”

“Daddy says it’s okay because I’m sick.”

I didn’t think my heart could break anymore.

“Hopefully, you won’t be sick for much longer.”

“I hope so. I miss my friends.”

“What about Skye? Where is she?”

“With Granny and Grandpa. She’s scared of the hospital, so she stays home. But I asked them to buy her chocolate pudding too so she doesn’t feel left out.”

“You’re such a good big sister.”

“Mommy says that big sisters always look out for their little sisters, like she did with you.”

I swallow past the lump in my throat as I think of Carly.

She may have looked out for me when we were younger, but I’m pretty sure sleeping with your little sister’s boyfriend isn’t listed in the big sister handbook. But that’s not Amber’s fault or her burden to carry.