#Chapter 52 - Is This What It's Like To Be A Family?

Miranda Sebastian’s name displays across my phone screen. My heart skips a beat when I read it, my cheeks warming. I sit up from the lounge chair. Jessica chuckles, sipping her drink from beside me. “Answer it already,” Jessica nudges her elbow into my side. I laugh and give her a gentle push, rolling my eyes. “I will, thank you very much,” I respond with a scrunched-up face. I come to my feet and step away, bringing the phone to my ear. “Sebastian?” “Miranda,” his voice is a mix between relief and irritation. My brows furrow. “Is everything okay?” I glance at Jessica from over my shoulder. She isn’t paying attention, instead focusing on the food in front of her. Turning my back to her, I lean into the phone, my ears lingering on Sebastian’s breathing. “It’s complicated but I’m taking Evan out of school. Would you like me to take out Noah and Ella for you?” Sebastian’s words bring me comfort despite its alarming undertones. I take a deep breath, biting the inside of my chee