Book 14: So Much for Vacation

Maeve

Waves beat against the pristine white sand of the private beach a short walk from the fabulous vacation house Maddy and Isaac now call home full time.

I cross my arms over my chest, resting them against my belly as a warm breeze ripples through my flowy sundress and sigh.

Well. I guess I deserved the shocked looks and whispers when I’d reached the house, stormed inside, changed, and let the family dissolve into chaos before racing toward the beach to gather my thoughts. It’s barely midmorning when I splash through the surf, watching the glittering, crystal clear water rush around my increasingly swollen ankles. The sun warms my skin, making it prickle with the promise of a tan, or sunburn, depending on how long I plan to spend hiding.

“Maeve.”

I hesitate before turning toward my dad’s voice. He’s walking beside Mom, who looks like she spent the last two days crying her eyes out, which makes me feel worse than being stabbed repeate