Resistance • l.h.

Fifty Eight

The car ride to The Phoenix was utterly quiet. My heart was leaping out of my chest, and I couldn't shake the disgusting feeling that something horrible was going to happen. I swallowed my fear, however, when Luke parked the car in front of the hotel.

"You'll be fine, Angel. I'm gonna be right here alright?" He said, his lips pressings hard against my forehead before I got out of the car, closing my eyes to savor the feeling.

The Phoenix was a nice hotel. It looked as if nearly everything was made of a chestnut-colored wood. I walked into the elevator alone, where I received a text from Jocelyn.

Room 284.

I copied the number and sent it to Luke as the elevator slid open. I peered into the hallway; it was long and narrow, the lights dimmed. It felt like I was in a horror movie--trapped inside the part in which the girl didn't know the demon was right behind her.

I looked over my shoulder, anyway, sighing when there was nothing but air.

I stopped at Room 284. Knocking on the door lightly, I kept my phone in my hand, rocking back and forth on the heels of my shoes.

Suddenly, the door swung open. I felt my eyes widen, my mouth hanging open slightly.

"Hey," my mother croaked. Her eyes had dark circles under them, as if she hadn't slept in weeks instead of days. Her smile was twitching, and either her or the room reeked of alcohol. The black strands of hair on her head were slowly becoming a dull grey, as she motioned for me to come in.

"So. What did you want me here for?" I questioned, getting right to the point.

Jocelyn closed the door with a creek, before shooting another creepy smile at me. I don't remember the last time she even made an effort to do that. It made me cringe every time, anyway. It was forced, and her teeth had a yellowish tint to them.

"Coffee?" She countered.

I stayed silent, staring at her pour the dark liquid into a mug. I inspected her trashy outfit. Her dark pants were ripped in strange places, and she was wearing a jacket, even though it was burning outside.

Where has she been for the past few days? Why does it look like she hasn't been showering or taking care of herself?

"What happened to you?" I asked again, and she just gawked at me while sipping on her drink.

"I haven't been home."

No shit.

"Where have you been then?" I shoved my hands deep in my pockets to keep them from trembling.

"Have a seat," she offered, pointing at a chair.

"No. Stop avoiding my questions. You said you wanted to talk," I snapped, getting frustrated at her evasion of things.

"Yes, and I do. And I will answer them when you sit down," she told me, but it sounded more like a threat. I narrowed my eyes but took the seat farthest away from the creature in front of me.

"Well, I've been out with the guy I've been seeing," she explained. "You left me all alone in that bastard's house. You should be grateful I didn't burn it down."

Why doesn't that surprise me?

"Of course you have."

She nodded. "Yeah, we've been fucking for a while. He's cute, too. About as old as Luke."

I frowned and shut my eyes tightly at her confession. Another younger guy?

"Who?"

"I doubt you know him. His name is Calum."

I nearly stopped breathing. It couldn't be the one I know.

"Calum Hood," she added and I wanted to throw up.

"It sucked ass. He was gone for a week to go to Chicago too. What a coincidence, right?" She laughed.

I felt absolutely numb.

"Is that all you wanted to admit?" I said, my voice low and strained.

"Yes," she replied with a look of satisfaction on her face. "But you, my darling, have some explaining to do."

"What are you talking about?"

She smirked at me, her voice sardonic, even. "Why don't you tell me about you and this thing you have going on with my husband?"

THIS IS SO DRAMATIC AHHA. But anyway, please remember to vote and stuff!!