Sicko

by Amo Jones

“Thanks, Mom. I wa—” I hear a loud rumble of bikes behind me, but I don’t turn. There’s no point. It won’t be him and bikers obviously go to college too. The bikes pull up right beside my car and my mom’s face pales before a smile stretches wide. I already know what she’s going to say before his name leaves her lips. “Royce?” My mouth snaps closed, still refusing to turn and face the music. “I wasn’t expecting you—all of you…”

“Royce?” I murmur, even though his grip is so tight it’s making my lips push out. “What?” he asks, his eyes searching mine. This needs to stop. I hate him. He left me. “Really not necessary. I have Sloane here too, and Matty. I don’t need you petting me here like you did at home.” He laughs, stepping away. “You don’t know how I keep my pets now.” I raise my brows in challenge, my arms crossing in front of my chest. “And how is that?” He pins me with a simple stare. “I don’t.” Then his eyes go to Mom, his fake smile evident. “I’ll look after her.”