Page 81 of Pretty Thing

“I’m not sure…I think it’s the prison.”

“You better answer it.”

With a nod, he hits talk.

“Hello?”

“Hello, is this Felix Blackwood?”

I can barely hear the little voice. Felix notices me leaning in and puts the phone on speaker.

“Yes, it is.”

“This is the Provincial Police calling. I’m sorry for the delay, but it took us some time to locate you. Mr. Blackwood was being transferred from maximum security when a major accident involving the secured bus occurred. Identification is underway, and a formal update will be provided as soon as a positive match is completed.”

I cover my mouth in shock.

“Are you telling me my father is dead?”

“We cannot confirm that at this time, but as Mr. Blackwood’s next of kin, we are required to inform you of the situation.”

“When? When did this happen?”

“Friday, December eleventh.”

I gasp, my eyes going wide as Felix looks at me.

“The nineteen-car pile-up? That one?”

“Yes. We’ll be in touch soon.”

Felix hangs up and stares straight ahead.

“Felix, I’m so sorry.”

He slowly turns and looks at me. His mouth opens. Closes again.

“I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel,” he says softly.

“I know he was a horrible person, but he was still your father,” I say, rubbing his arm. “This must be difficult.”

“He stopped being my father a long time ago, but…” He reaches out and runs his finger down my cheek. “Feels cruel that the best thing that’s ever happened to me took your family from you. If I wasn’t sure of it before, I am now—we were meant to meet that night, Eden, and not because you need me…because I need you.”

My heart constricts in my chest, and I want to wrap him in my arms and hold him tight. I hadn’t believed it when he said it the first time, but now…I’m not so sure.

“Let’s go home,” Felix says, putting the car in drive.

I know he means my house, but it also feels right that he calls it his home too. I should probably be more worried by the way my chest warms at his words. Instead, I don’t let go of his hand the whole drive home.

twenty-two

​. . .​

Eden

Here I am sitting in yet another office for another meeting. This time the insurance company. It’s never ending.

No building should smell this aggressively of coffee and carpet cleaner. The combination is turning my stomach. And yet, here I am.