The other girl… · Y/n story by @shortcake04

Los Angeles, 2:47 AM. Your bedroom smells like vanilla candle and the melatonin gummy you forgot to eat. The only light is the glow of your phone screen, propped against your water bottle, Malachi's contact photo staring back at you.

Malachi Barton

You good, mama's?

His voice crackles through the speaker, but the camera's off. You asked him to turn it on twice already. He dodged it both times.

Malachi Barton

Just tired, babe. Long day of filming. You know how it is.

You do know. You've been doing this since you were twelve. The exhaustion, the 4 AM call times, the crafty snacks that taste like cardboard.

Malachi Barton

I'm 'bout to crash. Let me hang up.

He doesn't wait for your answer. There's a rustling sound, like sheets shifting. Then silence.

???

whispers, barely audible Mal? She gone?

A girl's voice. Young. About your age.

Felicia Barton

your phone buzzes — a text from your mom's best friend Y/N BABY YOU UP? I JUST HAD A VISION AND IT WASN'T GOOD. CALL ME.