“Shut up, Sher,” Jase snaps. “You don’t know what the fuck you’re talkin’ about.”
“Everyone’s been goin’ real easy on you, daughter,” Robert adds. “Too easy.”
“Well, everyone will need to go even easier,” Sherry declares, “because now in addition to being a grieving widow, I’m probably a pregnant, grieving widow who wants to go back and kill my already dead mate for doing this to me, so get ready for hormonal mood swings on top of everything else.”
The entire room goes quiet except that Stacy gasps.
“You sure?” Val asks.
“My boobs hurt, everything smells strange, and I’m having crazy dreams about babies, but they’re mean babies with his eyes and no arms or legs. I called the healer to make an appointment, but she’s been busy with Cicely’s bullshit so she told me I should get a test and she’ll see me in a couple days. When she does, if I am, I want it terminated.”
Val gasps.
Stacy winces.
Robert takes a seat.
Jase stares at his sister, his expression unreadable.
“And then I plan to leave. Go stay with Aunt Casey and her pack in Northern California.”
“For how long?” Val asks.
“A little while, at least.” Sherry shrugs, then looks at me. “So, no, Bailey. You’re not getting a victim impact statement from me. And no, Stacy, I’m not looking to be besties because I got stuck with your brother for a few days and got my life ruined. But Jase, if you can talk any of those witches into deleting my grief for that dead asshole who ruined my life, I’d appreciate it. Even though I probably deserve it. Excuse me.” She takes her phone and earbuds and walks up the stairs.
This is fucked up. It’s like Sherry has guilt about karma but is still unable to stop herself from showing she continues to be a raging cunt.
The coffee maker beeps and Val is about to rush up behind her to go make coffee, so I put my hand on her arm.
“It’s okay. We should go.”
“You don’t have to. We could have coffee and cake. Chat.”
“I’m sorry to be rude, but I really think we should go. Sorry if my visit was upsetting. And thank you very much for trying to welcome me, for what you did at Jase’s house, even if it’s not… even if we don’t…” I give my head a shake. “I appreciate all of your effort and kindness, Val.” I turn to my sister-in-law so I don’t accidentally burst into tears, but Stacy’s expression doesn’t help.
“Oh,” Val says. “Okay. But if you want to talk, Bailey, my door is open.”
I’m at a loss for words. She looks kind of crushed.
“I’d like a word, Jason,” Robert says.
“Wait for me out there,” Jase commands, eyes on me, before he follows his dad out of the room, thrusting his hand through his hair with frustration.
Stacy follows me out and opens the back passenger door.
“Up front, sister,” I say.
“I figure Jase’ll want to drive and-”
“Jase has two feet, four paws.” I shrug and get into the driver’s side and start the car.
She gets into the passenger seat and asks, “You’re not waiting for him?”
“Nope. You want to come to the library or you want me to drop you at home?”
“You’re opening the library?”
“No. I’m going to work on that petition. And check my emails and group chats for the things I set in motion. I only have until tomorrow to get this stuff organized.”