exposed;

You had different circumstances with the whole cult thing, man. By leaving you also gave them the opportunity to leave and start a new, better life too. It’s not your fault they didn’t follow. 

-

Yeah, I’ve been thinking about a bunch of shit – how Colbie’s a real life superhero for delivering him at home and how I never knew I could love someone so much and how shitty of parents I had. ‘Specially my dad. I don’t ever want to be shitty to Moon.

-

Really? I feel awkward ‘n shy.

Um, he’s studying and working and taking care of his kids. I just try and stay out of the way. Every time we talk, I get lectured, and I’m not about it. That’s pretty much it, I guess.

Well you’re not awkward. And you don’t seem too shy to me. You know, I’ve never realized just how pretty your eyes are...

If it makes you feel any better…I like to say I’m living life for the both of us. For Koby and I. It keeps me going, you know? Experiencing all I experience and living life to the fullest. Because I know that’s what he’d be doing. 

You would have to drag me back to Plumfeld. I can’t imagine ever, ever going back there. It was awful. Don’t worry. I got my own brains. Unwell how? 

Nah, he could fuck it up somehow. Don’t underestimate him. 

“Hey, watch it,” Cal teased, slapping the back of Ilia’s head, “But for real you should see her naked. Whew.” The redhead smirked to himself, the image of an unclothed Maisie in his arms whirling around in his head. He’d go over to her place after dinner, as he did most nights nowadays, and he could hardly wait. “Ah, I don’t know if it’s so much miss as I worry about her…” He shrugged, “She was my wife. I want her safe and free and happy with or without me. I don’t think that’ll ever change.” Cal still regretted that last night he spent with Oaklyn more than anything. As beautiful and romantic as it was, it had ended so tragically he wished it would’ve never been done. He wished he’d spoken quieter, his lips pressed against her ear. He wished his family could’ve stayed safe. A rock felt like it was forming in the center of his chest, and Cal coughed, quickly changing the subject before he thought about it too much, “So…what’s going on with you, man? Any girls?” 

Mm, you’re so warm. Agh…I’m sober tonight, and I’m normally not. 

I think that’s why I’m a little weird. M’sorry.

It’s okay. I like you like this. You seem clear ‘n level headed. 

Yeah, but only a little. I don’t really like to think about it, so we’ve been just talking about more normal sister stuff. Though, she did mention Tin the other day too and I couldn’t tell if she was joking or not. Why?

Yeah, I hate the unknowns too. And it feels so weird to me that I’ll live longer than Koby ever did. He just seemed so grown up at twenty. I’m just curious to see who I’ll be then. Someday I’ll turn twenty-one and have a big, birthday party. I’ll get my own house, and live a real life and it’s just…weird and sad that he won’t. That I’ll get to have experienced these things before he ever did.