A Serpent in My Bed

ce into a neut

voice surprisingly steady, "I'm

ly shaped e

mom makes the best pec

like that. Always observant.

ifts at that coffee shop downtown. Try

t a plaus

was really hoping to meet your family.

with something else. Som

eness. Co

ht," I said, shrugging. I need

y's restaurant was doing grea

probing.

I want to buy something really special fo

e. Or it had been

baby seemed to sa

uess it's another lonely Thanksgiving for

o pitiful. S

y heart had

I felt noth

id, trying to sound

tle shaky. The phantom pain of

ter she left for class w

tempt to surprise her, I'd bo

. A reservat

over the cancel bu

le

f tension ease

e. One step awa

s were a blur of

Smiled at Jessica

raging inferno o

me she looked at me with that

s. My father's vacant stare af

ood on th

orning arrived

rnight bag, my hands

called from her bed, alread

voice tight. "Enjoy yo

't even

haven, my hometown,

the window, my reflection

my plan ove

Jessica away from my

th me, the catalyst for t

No false accusatio

d into the Oa

, breathing in the familiar

rance, waving, her smile a

run to her, bury my face in he

t. She'd thin

, a real smile finall

ovement t

slung over one shoulder, p

ss

owards my mo

time. I hope you don't mind, I just had to come. I got my ticket information from

y-sweet, her eyes

's hand in hers,

fr

ed to ice

a way. Of co

t would have had the bus

d foll

ling his welcome. He was alr

s a friend of ours! Come on in

her towards our

saw me standing t

ney, you look like you'v

as too tigh

was starting a

wouldn't just s

a show, I'd

nd dangerous, began