If I’d Known (Cursed 1)

It's obvious her brother has a thing for me. I've thought about it. But he's Tori's brother, and when it ends--because it will end--I don't want it to be awkward every time I go over to their house. So we just flirt because flirting's innocent--mostly.

"What time are you coming over?"

"I'm not sure. But I shouldn't be long. I just have to pick up a change of clothes and check on my mom. I'll text you when I leave my house."

"Oh shit. I don't have Lincoln's number to let him know. I'm going to go find him. Meet me outside?"

"Sure," I reply, closing my locker.

"And maybe I'll find out more about his friend."

"Please don't," I beg.

Tori just smiles before walking away.

I lean against the massive stone banister along the front steps of the school, searching for Tori, as everyone floods out through the doors in a mad rush. A red Jeep Wrangler parked along the curb catches my attention--or I should say, the guy leaning against it, who keeps staring at me, does. He looks just like--

"So he does exist," Tori says from beside me.

We watch Lincoln approach the Jeep, and the two guys greet each other with a hand clasp and a pound-

on-the-back guy embrace.

"Shit. He's Lincoln's friend? Are all the Harrison boys that perfect?" When I don't respond, she says, "Lana? You know who that is, right?"

She knows I do, even if he's only ever been talked about like some sort of mystical being.

"This is definitely going to be an unforgettable night."

"Yes, it is," I reply, unable to look away.

Like he knows we're talking about him, he looks up at us, wearing an enchanting smile. I can't force myself to look away, even though I know I should. I continue to watch as he and Lincoln get into his Jeep. I find myself smiling at him when he looks back over his shoulder one more time before driving away.

Chapter Three

"If I can tell you one thing," my aunt Helen says, one of the few times she decides to talk to me, "it's don't think that anyone's ever going to give you anything in this life. If you want it, you have to fight for it, even if that means drawing blood."

"Mom?" I call out as I shut the door and drop my messenger bag to the floor.

There's only silence in return.

"Mom?" I say softly, peeking into her room. I'm struck by the potent fragrance of the incense. My eyes water in protest as it burns my nostrils. There's no getting used to that smell.

I quietly enter her room when she still doesn't respond. I find her curled up on her side under the blankets, asleep. Her face is drained of color, except for the ruddy patches on her cheeks. Without touching her, I know she still has a fever. Placing my hand on her forehead only confirms it. She doesn't stir with my touch, which concerns me more.

"Mom?" I say gently, but she doesn't move.

I pick up the water glass and carry it into the kitchen, filling it with cold water from a pitcher in the fridge. Before I bring it back to her room, I glance at her work schedule posted on the side.

Tori's going to kill me.

"I have to work tonight." I close my eyes, braced for her reaction.

"What the fuck?" She doesn't filter the anger in her voice. "You're covering for her, aren't you?"

I ignore the spite in her tone. I don't know what Tori's issue is with my mother, but this isn't the time to get into it.

"I get off at ten. What time did you tell Lincoln we'd meet him?"