79. Pretense And Tears

The ringing tone of my phone woke me up. I fished around for it, finding it on the table where Brenda had placed a basket of flowers and a teddy bear for Kelly to play with when she woke up.

I grabbed the phone and brought it to my ear, rubbing my eyes to clear the sleep from my face. “Hello?”

“Veronica Carlisle,” Mrs. Carlos’s voice came harsh and cold through the phone. “I’m at the café waiting for you. I know you're not the type to keep me waiting unless you want me to come to you tomorrow.”

I stood up, glancing over at Brenda. She had her headphones in, softly singing along to a song. “Don’t threaten me, Mrs. Carlos. It’s my choice, and I can choose not to come.”

She chuckled softly, a sound that sent a shiver down my spine. “As it is now, my dear, you have no choice. So, unless you want me to think up something even nastier to do…”

“I’ll come,” I said, feeling defeated. “Give me some time.” I walked over to tap Brenda on the shoulder, and she pulled her headphones off, looking at