Violet's cold expression softened into this way-too-sweet look.
"Alright, does your hand still hurt? Wanna go to the hospital? Need to get it checked?"
Hazel caught up, chiming in. "Callum, I heard you like roses. Once we clear this patch of land, I'll fill it up with a rose garden for you. Sound good?"
There they were, doting on Callum like he was the center of their world. He glanced at me, raised a brow, and mouthed something.
"Loser."
Violet and Hazel? They completely forgot I'm allergic to pollen allergy.
For over 10 years, every time flowers were about to bloom, they'd go around and clear every single flowering plant in my space.
I just shut my eyes now and dragged myself over to Bucky's room. The place was a mess. Took forever, but I finally found his favorite pink ball.
By then, it was dark. I went to the front door, pressed my fingerprint—and nothing happened. That's when it hit me: someone had erased my access. Even the passcode was changed.
So, I called Violet. No answer. Called Hazel. Same deal.
Thought about crashing at a hotel, but my phone was dying, and the closest one was miles away.
Then, because fate's got a sense of humor, the rain started. First, a drizzle. Then it just poured down.
My clothes got soaked, and the cuts on my arm stung like hell. I curled up there, shivering.
Finally, right as dawn started creeping in, the front door cracked open. Violet tiptoed out.
Her eyes landed on me—curled up in a ball—and for a second, I thought I saw pity. But just as fast, her face twisted with disgust.
"Well, Henderson, look at you. Out all night?"
"What's this, some sad attempt to get our attention? Grow up, would you?"
My head felt heavy as I stared at her, barely recognizing her.
"I didn't… Someone deleted my fingerprint and changed the code. I tried calling. No one answered. I wasn't trying to stay out."
Violet rubbed her forehead, looking a little guilty.
"Callum was worried about the workers, so he changed the code."
"Go on, get inside."
I nodded, forced myself up, numb and aching, and headed in.
But just as I was almost in, she called out, "Henderson, we didn't mean it!"
She paused, then added, "But be quiet. Callum was up late. Don't wake him."
Something twisted inside me, but I just nodded.
Then she stopped me again, her face a mix of confusion and surprise.
"Henderson, aren't you gonna make a fuss? That's not like you…"
I forced a bitter smile and looked down. Only people who know they are cared for get to act entitled, knowing someone will take it. That used to be me—taking up space, claiming my spot.
But now, who was I even fighting for?
Ignoring the ache in my bones, I dragged myself to bed and let sleep take me.
Somewhere between sleep and waking, loud music and voices drifted in.
The next thing I knew, Callum was barging into my room and yanking my blanket off.
"Hey, dumbass! Get up! We're celebrating my friendship with Violet and Hazel for 20 days!"
20 days, huh? Guess 20 days were long enough to wipe out our 20 years...
