Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

He really couldn't wait for this kid to arrive.

But all that had nothing to do with Sylvia. She was totally focused on her work.

Around lunchtime, Sylvia's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen. It was her mom, Naomi.

"Hey, Mom, what's up?"

"Honey, all your packages keep showing up at the Garcia place. I figured I'd drop them off and maybe we could grab lunch together."

"Packages? I haven't ordered anything. And I never use the Garcias' address when I shop online."

Okay, maybe she had forgotten to update her shipping address after moving to campus recently. She'd had to take a few detours to pick up stuff lately.

She heard the sound of packages rustling on the other end.

"Nope, your name and number are right here. Anyway, I'm almost at your office. You can see for yourself."

Sylvia was about to say "sure thing," when she heard Naomi suddenly shriek. "Hey! What are you doing?!"

"Naomi, please! I'm begging you-help me!"

That voice... It was Freya!

Sylvia remembered hearing that after getting fired, Freya's parents still treated her like a cash machine for her younger brother. She really hadn't been having it easy these days.

Who knew what she might do now?

up from her desk and bolted for the

her coworker,

"Sylvia, where's the fire?"

"None of your business."

arm free and dashed

the drama queen, made a show of

let her go. She's always acting like the

seemed pretty freaked out. Maybe we should check it out? We are

hurried after Sylvia,

thank-you muffins from Bridget (she was pregnant, after all), nobody wanted to let her go alone. One by one, they

out the front door when

a rough time, that's your parents' problem-it has nothing

looking out for her now. Please, I'm begging you, tell her to stop sabotaging me! just want a normal job and a normal

to the theatrics-dropping to

clung to

it

used

never the same,

good

over and grabbed Freya's

with the crazy accusations! I have nothing to do with your job problems. Let go

hear her. She kept apologizing,

head on the ground, totally