Nyx hopped off her skateboard as she reached her parent’s driveway. The lump in her throat was heavy. It stung each time she swallowed. The little grey cabin she grew up in sat amongst the weeds and wildflowers. Butterflies and bees flitted around the clover and daisies. This would be the last time she’d be here as home. Though she wanted to go, something about it felt wrong, and it made her sick, tugging at her insides to make her stay, think things over, but it was high time she left. There'd never be a good time and it's not like she was going far.

The back seat of Alistair’s car was open in the driveway with a mop-bucket and sponge beside it. Cassie was inside scrubbing, but backed out when she heard Nyx arrive. Her high green pony tail was a mess, makeup smudged around her eyes. Pink-tinged soapy water stained her white camisole and bare legs.

“There you are,” she asked, hands on her hips. A wet stain spread across her denim shorts. “I hope you had fun canoodling with Angel. Meanwhile, I’m scrubbing this shit and telling Mom and Dad he’s alive for fuck-”

“I wasn’t canoodling,” Nyx snapped. “Quite the opposite actually.”

"Oh, did you -”

“Ugh,” Nyx grumbled with a sigh. “Who knows. We’re on a break or something. I’m sorry I left you to deal with this shit. What are we gonna tell Alice?”

Cassie shrugged. “Do you think he’d believe it was wine?”

“I doubt it. We’ll end up telling him the truth anyway, but we should still get it clean. I’ll pay someone in town. I don’t think we can get all that blood out ourselves.”

Fuck, I can’t really afford to spend that kind of money right now when I’m trying to move. Angel better pay me back.

“He’s gonna think the car’s got bad vibes now,” said Cassie, plopping the sponge into the bucket. “We’ll never hear the end of it. He won’t let me borrow it again, that’s for sure.”

“if anything he’ll be glad we had it once he learns what happened,” said Nyx. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“It’s not like he’s gonna hold Angel accountable. I call dibs on not telling him. I don’t want to touch that conversation with a ten foot pole.”

“I’ll do it,” Nyx sighed.

It’s not like he actually died. Well, he did, but he came back. So, maybe it’s not going to be so bad?

“You better go talk to Mom and Dad. They were so upset when they heard, but I set ‘em straight,” said Cassie.

“What’s the story then?” Nyx asked, lowering her voice.

Cassie stepped closer so they could speak more quietly. “I stuck as close to the truth as I could. It was just a nasty fight and people overreacted. Rumors spread. I mean, it helps that Timmy is such a gossip in the first place since everyone knows he stretches the truth anyway. Still, they’re not happy he was fighting Aluminum Carl.”

“Neither am I,” said Nyx.

“Is that why you broke up with him?”

“Yes, and no, I guess.” She scuffed her sneaker around some loose stones in the driveway. “Angel didn’t want to me to move in, now he does, but after last night I don’t think I can do it until he actually changes or at least shows some kind of commitment.”

Cassie quirked an eyebrow. “What makes this time so different?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Nyx snapped.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“It’s only a matter of time before you get back with him, isn’t it? That’s how it always goes. He’ll sulk and bat his eyelashes at you and you’ll have forgotten all about last night. I’m exhausted just looking at the two of you.”

I wish she wasn’t right.

“Look, I love him, but he’s a superficial guy,” said Cassie. “If you accepted that, you’d be a ton happier. That’s who he is. I’ve known him just as long as you and Alice have. Save yourself the trouble and find someone who will treat you how you deserve. Angel is great for a good time, not a long time. Sorry to be a bitch about it, but it’s about time someone put it to you like that.”

Nyx wanted to argue, but couldn’t. Until Angel proved otherwise, she actually agreed with her sister. It just hurt to admit it.

Alistair would have said it a bit nicer… Well, I guess he kinda did the other night in a way.

“If this doesn’t make him settle down, I don’t know what will,” Nyx said.

“I’m sorry you had to see that,” Cassie said, casting her eyes to the ground. “This must be so hard for you, and I’m just going off, making it worse.”

“It’s not your fault,” she sighed. “I claimed my own cabin. I’m tired of waiting around for his say so.”

“I’m so happy for you,” Cassie exclaimed, taking Nyx’s arms, giving them a celebratory jiggle.

Nyx tried to smile, but the prospect of moving out solo still had a bitter-sweet taste. She parted from Cassie, heading inside to break the news to her parents while her sister took Alistair’s car into town to be cleaned.

Canned laughter from the small living-room television filled the cabin. Both Jay and Molly were snuggled on the couch together under a throw blanket. Her mother rested her head on her father’s shoulder as his arm lazily draped over her.

Molly’s chestnut hair fell down her back and shoulders in long, loose curls. Dim sunlight from the bay window behind them cast upon her round face and closed eyes. They looked so content, Nyx hesitated to disturb them.

They both sat up and smiled when they noticed her come in.

“Hey Nyx,” said Jay. “Sounds like you had a rough day. Angel holding up alright?”

“Yeah, he’s fine.” Nyx plunked down in the armchair, swallowed up by the fluffy cushions.

“Thank goodness,” Molly gasped. “He had us all so worried! Julian’s been spinning all day, but can’t find him.”

“Probably for the best,” Jay muttered. “He should cool off a bit first before they talk.”

That's the last thing Angel needs right now.

Nyx took the remote from the coffee table and clicked off the tv. “Can I talk to you guys about something?”

“Of course,” said Jay, frowning.

She took a breath, gathering the nerve. It wasn't too late to change her mind... she could go back for her things like it never happened...

“I’m moving out,” said Nyx in a rush.

Molly’s brown eyes widened. “With Angel or -”

“No, on my own.”

Both of her parents visibly relaxed.

“That’s wonderful,” Molly beamed, clasping her hands together.

“What would be so bad about moving in with Angel?”

I shouldn’t pick at it, but they both seem so relieved. I wish they’d cut him some slack.

“Well, nothing, but -” Molly began.

“He’s a bit -” Jay continued.

“We just want what’s best for you,” Molly finished, slightly nodding to herself. “You don’t seem happy sometimes. He’s a nice boy but…”

“Not good for a long time?” Nyx asked, her throat scratched.

“Exactly,” said Jay, smiling. “You got it. He’s just not that type. I’m glad to see you’ve grown out of him.”

Nyx fiddled with her hands in her lap, nibbling her lip. Her father’s words drove into her chest. “Well, it’s not like we’re done, done. I just don’t want to live with him, is all. Not right now.”

“Have you spoken to Aiden and Daisy about it yet? Aiden could probably lend you a portal to move your things,” said Molly, eager to change the subject. “I’ll take you shopping later this afternoon for anything you’re missing.”

Nyx got up and so did her mother, pulling her into a tight hug. Molly’s white knit sweater scratched against her cheek and the bare skin of her arms. She smelled of fresh detergent and cookies. For a moment, she nearly changed her mind, but told herself her mother would only be down the street.

They parted and Nyx pulled back her tears.

How can I be homesick before I’ve even left? I’m right down the road anyway.

Still, it was strange to say good-bye to the only home she’d ever known. Now that she thought of it, she hadn’t even gotten to stay one more night in her own bed.

I think I’ll even miss Cass. I don’t think I’ve ever spent a night on my own before.

There was a sense of freedom, but also a hint of horror. Nyx excused herself to find Daisy and Aiden, worried if she lingered with them any longer, the tears might escape after all.