Demon Read Free Page B

done so much,” Justyn told him. “You helped us find this place and drove up with us. You really don’t need to do anymore.”
    Matt patted Justyn’s back. “Don’t sweat it. This is just something small, but definitely a necessity.”
    Justyn narrowed his eyes at that explanation. Sometimes, even he was surprised by what his twenty-something, hippie stepfather considered a necessity. Nevertheless, he reached into the bag good-naturedly, with the whole room watching. He pulled out a box that very clearly read All Natural, Organic Condoms in bright, bold ink. It was a variety pack. Some of them were even flavored.
    “We don’t want any babies before graduation,” Matt told them proudly.
    Rebecca knew her checks had turned scarlet. Even Justyn blushed a little before quickly shoving the box back into the bag. He wasn’t fast enough though. Mr. Hope had seen the gift, and all the shocked expressions in the room paled in comparison to the horrified look on his face. Rebecca’s father had turned almost purple. She could actually see the veins pulsating in his bald head.
    “You know what?” Darlene stretched her arms and gave an exaggerated yawn. She pretended not to notice Matt’s slightly inappropriate gift. “I think the kids can handle unpacking the rest of this on their own, don’t you? It’s getting late and we still have a three-hour ride back home.”
    “Darlene is right.” Rebecca quickly nodded. “Dad, you have to be up early tomorrow for work. I’d hate for you to be exhausted on my account.”
    “I guess we should get going,” her mother agreed reluctantly.
    Rebecca went over to her parents and gave them each a big hug. That seemed to settle her father down, but Rebecca suddenly felt a little more emotional. She had been looking forward to freedom from her parents’ rules and regulations since she had officially become a teenager. Now that she was really leaving home, however, it was a little overwhelming. She realized how much she would miss them.
    “Mom … Dad … I-I love you guys so much,” she stuttered.
    That was when her mother finally lost it and started crying. Rebecca was actually surprised she’d made it that far. Mrs. Hope had cried at almost every single landmark in Rebecca’s life, from her kindergarten graduation to her first violin recital. Even her father forgot to stay angry; he was so choked up over the thought of saying goodbye to his little girl. Rebecca had to wipe away a few tears as she watched them walk toward the door.
    Matt had already disappeared, but Darlene lingered behind a few minutes after Rebecca’s parents had gone. She gave Rebecca a huge hug before turning to her son. Justyn looked as calm and collected as ever, but Darlene’s eyes were misty with tears. For once, she seemed a little less ethereal.
    “Make sure to smudge the apartment at least once a week,” she instructed and reached out to wrap her arms around her son. “And if your shoulder bothers you, I have some all-natural massage oils in that basket. I made it myself. Becca, you’ll take care of him for me, won’t you? Make sure he doesn’t overdo it?”
    “Of course,” Rebecca agreed.
    “Darlene … please,” Justyn rolled his eyes, “you don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
    “I know that.” Darlene’s voice was thick with emotion. “Your father would be so proud. In fact, I know that he is proud. He tells me so all the time in my dreams.”
    Now Justyn had to clear his throat. It was never easy for him to talk about his father, who had died when he was just a baby.
    “I wouldn’t be here without you ,” he told Darlene. “You always supported me, no matter how far out my dreams were. You made so many sacrifices, especially all those years we were on our own. I don’t know if I ever thanked you for that.”
    She nudged his arm and wiped away a few tears, careful not to smudge her eyeliner. “How dare you make me cry?”
    “I love you, Mom,” Justyn