It had been a little over a week since we moved to Estrella.
And somehow… it wasn't as terrible as I'd expected.
Drew was still cold, and dismissive….like my existence was a mild inconvenience he tolerated. Alex glared at me whenever our paths crossed.
I refused to let either of them live rent-free in my head.
Mr Cole and Seb stayed kind.
And Alia…
I hadn't planned on trusting anyone again. After what happened last time. But somehow, Alia slipped past my defenses without forcing anything.
I'd told her everything. About Owen, and Lily.
She'd listened quietly, then said, "If I ever see Lily, it's on sight." It made me laugh more than it should've.
Wednesday morning came quietly.
I had to get ready for Anatomy class.
I woke up early, like I always did, dragged myself to the small corner of my room, where Dad's ashes rested.
Dad. I hope you're okay… wherever you are.
Watch over Ethan. Wherever he is. Please.
Then I went to the bathroom.
I turned on Spotify….my comfort playlist, and let the steam fill the bathroom. Music thumped softly as I danced a little, shampooing my hair, trying to feel normal.
That's when I saw something green, sliding down my neck.
I frowned, tilting my head, watching the greenish water swirl at my feet.
Slowly, I raised my head and looked in the mirror.
My chest tightened.
"No," I whispered.
I rinsed my hair fast, watching the color run down the drain.
But when I looked again….My hair was still green.
This isn't happening. This has to be a joke. I'm still asleep.
I scrubbed harder, nothing changed.
I screamed, wrapped my towel around myself, and ran downstairs barefoot. Water kept dripping onto the floor.
Mom, Mr. Cole, and Alex were in the living room.
"Evelyn?" Mom rushed forward. "Did you run out of the bathroom…"
"Mom!"
My voice echoed.
The room went dead silent.
Mom's eyes widened. "Honey… you…you just said my name."
I didn't even process it. My hands were shaking too hard.
"Someone put green dye in my conditioner."
Alex scoffed. "Oh, so she talks now? I told you dad, she was pretending for attention." He looked me up and down with disgust. "Why are you green? You look like a swamp monster."
"Alex," Mr Cole snapped. "Did you do this?"
"I didn't!" Alex shot back. "I swear!"
Mr Cole's face hardened. "I'm disappointed in you. Deeply. You're grounded for two weeks. All gaming consoles gone."
"I swear!" Alex cried. "I admitted the rat prank! I swear this wasn't me!"
Drew and Seb walked in then, and stopped.
Their eyes landed on me.
And that's when i realized i was standing in nothing but a towel. My damp hair was clinging to my shoulders, and my legs were bare.
"Sir, it's okay," I said quickly. "You don't have to…"
"No," Mr Cole said firmly. "This has gone too far. It's not your fault."
Alex ran to Drew, wrapping his arms around his waist. "I swear I didn't do it. Drew, tell him!"
Drew looked down at him. Then at me.
"Go to your room," Mr Cole ordered. "Now."
Alex bolted, shouting, "I hate you!" before disappearing upstairs.
The house felt hollow afterward.
"I'm sorry," Mr Cole said, rubbing his forehead. "We'll change the locks. Add extra security to your door."
"It's okay, sir," I said softly.
Seb stared at me. "Wait. Evelyn… you talk now."
I blinked. "You can hear me?"
Mom rushed forward, grabbing my face gently. "Yes," she cried. "Oh my God….yes. Say it again. Say my name again."
"Mom," I whispered.
She laughed and cried at the same time, pulling me into her arms. "You're talking," she kept saying. "You're talking."
"Oh my God."
"At least something good came out of this," Mr Cole said gently, trying to lighten the moment.
I went back upstairs slowly.
Mom was still crying downstairs. Mr Cole kept talking about locks. Seb was probably still trying to process the miracle. Drew hadn't said a word….but I felt his eyes follow me upstairs anyway.
I closed my bedroom door and leaned against it, breathing hard.
A shaky laugh slipped out of me before I could stop it.
Of all the ways to get my voice back.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror, and snorted softly.
"Well," I muttered, my voice sounded new and strange in my ears,
"guess I owe the swamp monster thank you."