12. Warwick

Chapter 12

Warwick

I stare at my phone, trying to come up with something to say. Anything. But my mind comes up blank. Everything I can think of feels ridiculous. I’ve been staring at my phone ever since I woke up. I wanted to text Ethan good morning, but didn’t want to seem too eager. But who am I kidding? I need him.

Warwick: I hope you’re having a lovely day

Done. I toss my phone on my bed and flop down. The shimmer of my brother’s energy fills my room before he materializes.

“Wanna go help decorate Flutter and Fangs for tomorrow night?”

“Do I have to?” I smash my head into a pillow.

“No,” Van snorts as he plops next to me. “Just thought it’d be something to get you out of your place. I know you want to go see Ethan and you can’t. It has to be infuriating.”

“I’d say you have no idea, but you probably do.” I nudge my phone towards him. “I texted him. Took all morning, but I did it.”

“I’m glad.” Van runs his hand over my back. Sometimes I forget how soothing he can be when he wants to be. “I’m glad you two have phones now. I remember he didn’t have one before he disappeared.”

“Neither did we, though. The only reason we got cell phones was because all our friends are in Hex, and most of them can’t use portal communication.”

“True. True. Sometimes I still don’t get how to use it, but Gabe’s so patient with me.” There’s a dreamy look in his eyes every time he mentions Gabe.

I grab Van’s hand. “You know I’m happy for you, right? You may infuriate me to no end some days, but you deserve to be happy.”

“Love you too, Wicky. And you deserve your happily ever after too. We’re all rooting for you.”

“I know.” They may have all made fun of me for years, but I know they want me to be happy.

“You sure you don’t wanna come help? Do you have a mask? Lark ordered a bunch in case people show up without one.”

“I don’t think I have one. And I’m not dressing up. I don’t think Ethan cares if I’m wearing jeans or a costume.”

My brother grins. “Gabe is dressing up like a demon. I’m dressing up like an angel. I think it’s a hoot.” He slaps his knee and pushes to his feet. “Well, if you change your mind about helping, we’ll all be at F & F.” And he poofs out.

Maybe I should help? Be more social. Less grumpy.

I dig out the Jolly Ranchers from Ethan and pop one in my mouth. The sweet cherry flavor rolls over my tongue. Ethan never cared that I was a little grumpy, but I really could be more cheerful. He’s back in my life. What’s there to be grumpy about other than he’s still so far away?

Decision made, I throw on some clothes and teleport to Flutter and Fangs.