Read Online Insight by Jolene Perry - Free Book Online Page A

says in my ear. It’s probably the most personal thing he’s said to me in my life.
    I don’t want to let him go. He suddenly feels so safe—especially with all the visions I’ve been getting lately.
    “I have some dinner saved for you.” Carol starts to the fridge.
    Her voice brings me back to the present, and I step away from Dad. “Just an apple would be great.” I try to make eye contact. She needs to know I’m okay with her being here. Or, at least I’m trying to be. “Thank you, though.”
    “You’re welcome.” Her face relaxes back into a smile. She’s pretty and probably younger than Dad. Everything about her feels soft—her eyes, her hair, her smile, her shape. She opens the fridge and pulls out an apple.
    “I’m ready.” I hold my hands in the air. I’m not ready to see that picture again. I don’t want to risk being touched.
    “Oh.” She pauses before tossing it over the kitchen island toward me.
    “Thanks.” I hold it up before taking a bite.
    “Your mother.” Dad shakes his head. “I’m guessing that’s where you get your love of apples from.”
    “I guess.” I take a huge bite from the side.
    Dad walks around the counter to put an arm around Carol’s waist, and she relaxes into him. He looks at her in a way that makes my heart feel like it’s being squeezed. I’m happy he’s happy, but it also makes me wonder if I’ll ever be able to be close to someone like that.
    He keeps her hand as he steps away, and I’m jealous of something I can’t imagine being a part of.
    “Will you two think I’m horribly rude if I crash?” Carol asks. She turns toward me, and then Dad.
    “I’m pretty wiped.” I take another bite. It’s only about eight my time, but eleven for them. I also need to come up with some kind of plan to keep my distance from Carol without seeming weird .
    “Night.” Dad gives me a half wave, raising his hand only slightly. But he looks hesitant, as if he’s afraid to move.
    I take my apple and pack and walk into the small room Dad has set aside for me. It’s unchanged from my last visit. White sheets, white comforter, beige carpet, beige walls. I have a few books I left from my trip on the small desk, but that’s the only personal thing in the room. My bag slides to the floor, and I flop to sitting on the edge of the bed.
    Carol’s contented sigh comes through my door as she and Dad pass my doorway. When my eyes close, I see her horrible picture again. What puts her in the hospital, and why do I have to know about it? Why do I have to know about my Dad’s upcoming sadness when I can’t do anything about it? Why did I have to see Lacey? Why did my vision from Mom get all weird white and black before going back to normal? Why do I see myself from Landon making me maybe want something that’ll never happen? And what on earth is up with the vision I saw from Steven?
    My life is officially a disaster.
    ***
    Burying myself in every blanket I can find doesn’t help with the cold. Maine is a different kind of cold—both damp and frigid. I give up, wrap a blanket around my shoulders, and walk into the kitchen. Maybe some hot chocolate will warm me up.
    Dad is on the couch, in the dark, staring at the fire in the stove. I stop at the end of the hallway, unsure if I want to continue. His head jerks my direction as I take a step backward.
    “Come sit.” He’s quiet and staring . His eyes are wary, and he almost leans away as I walk toward him.
    I sit on the opposite end of the couch from Dad, mimicking his odd motions. My palms are suddenly sweaty, and every nerve’s on edge.
    Our eyes lock, but I don’t know what to say to him, and he doesn’t speak. I pull my knees up and wrap the blanket around them, holding my legs tightly against me.
    “You…um…” His eyebrows pull down, and he rubs his hand over his chin several times. “Don’t think I’m crazy for what I’m about to ask, okay?”
    I freeze. Does he know? Is it the same for him? Does he have