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Chapter 12 by micdan282 micdan282

What's next?

A Text

Rikki's phone buzzed at 11:08 p.m., screen lighting up against her nightstand. She was already in bed, one leg tangled in the sheet, the other kicking it off like she'd changed her mind. She reached for her phone glancing over at Finn, sound asleep beside her. As her eyes focussed on the screen she froze.

Devin.

Her stomach flipped. Was he in trouble?

Devin: Do you ever get the feeling that some people are just... pretending to be better?

She blinked at the message. No context. No “hey.” Just a sentence that felt like it had been sitting heavy in someone’s chest all day. This was not what she’d given him her number for. Her finger twitched over the reply box, then stopped. Don’t engage. This isn’t appropriate. He’s your parolee. She locked the screen and put the phone down. It buzzed again thirty seconds later.

Devin: Sorry. I shouldn’t have sent that. Ignore me.

She sat up, exhaling hard. She could leave it. He’d back off. Probably. Maybe. But something about the message nagged at her. It didn’t feel like attention seeking. It felt lonely. She picked the phone back up.

Rikki: Are you okay?

Devin: Yeah. Just thinking too loud, I guess.

Rikki: Try getting some sleep. Thoughts are always louder at night.

A few minutes passed. Long enough for her to think that was the end of it.

Devin: You sound like you’ve been there.

She didn’t answer that, just sat in silence. Her phone buzzed again.

Devin: Forget I said anything.

Rikki: It’s a little too late for that.

Devin: You ever feel like that? Like you’re just acting right until the curtain drops?

Rikki: That sounds like something from a movie.

Devin: Yeah, well. I watch a lot of movies now that I can’t do much else.

Rikki: I gave you my number for emergencies, Devin. Anything to do with the Corpses, that’s it.

Devin: I know.

Rikki glanced at Finn to make sure he was still asleep.

Devin: But if I told you I’ve been thinking about what kind of person I want to be, that wouldn’t be totally off limits, would it?

That made her sit up a little straighter.

Rikki: No, I guess not.

Devin: So what if I said I want to be the kind of guy who doesn’t screw everything up. Like I actually want to be a decent person.

Rikki: Then I’d say that’s a good start.

Devin: Then what?

Rikki: Then you keep it up. You stay honest. You put in the work.

Devin: Is that what you did?

She hesitated.

Rikki: Something like that.

Devin: You seem like someone who’s figured it all out.

She smiled to herself.

Rikki: I fake it well. Trust me I’m a mess.

Devin: Haha you hide it well.

Rikki: Thanks.

Devin: You know I always thought you were kind of intimidating.

Rikki: Ha ha what do you mean?

Devin: Like you’re such a serious adult you know.

Rikki: Did you ever think maybe I’m so serious because I’m your parole officer?

Devin: Yeah I guess that makes sense haha.

Devin: Thanks for not blowing me off. You’re the only person I know who actually listens.

She stared at that one. It was innocent enough on the surface. But it felt heavier than it looked.

Rikki: You’re welcome now get some sleep young man, it’s late.

Devin: Sweet dreams

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