The Follower by Kate Doughty (ebook reader with built in dictionary TXT) 📕

There are also other comments along the lines of what Amber had expected—obvious digs about her weight and the hashtags. But there are a surprising amount of positive comments, too. She reads through them and tries to vanquish the fear with a growing sense of validation. Jada was right. People do want to see her on Instagram. And this time, the praise isn’t all for Cecily and Rudy—some of it is for her.

But of course, all of that is overshadowed by the rest of the comments:

Fake. So obviously fake.

Shame on you! While Cecily’s in the hospital?

Cecily’s on some private island right now, lmao.

Must not be able to sell the house, must need the PR.

While they read, another comment by the follower pops onto their feed. This one, too, is instantly upvoted to the top:

What great siblings, planning surprises while your sister’s in the hospital.

And this time, most of the comments seem to be . . . agreeing.

True!

Poor Cecily. Terrible.

Maybe forgo your second pair of Gucci sliders and take care of your sister—

“They’re agreeing with him,” Amber whispers, in shock.

Rudy shakes his head. “He’s trying to mess with us; they’re just hopping on the bandwagon.” But his voice falters as the comments keep coming in. Their followers don’t seem too happy about the Alex Grable comments, or Amber’s teaser post.

“Do you think . . . that I should do the next post?” Amber whispers.

Rudy gives her a wide-eyed look. He doesn’t answer.

Amber doesn’t think she can feel worse until Rudy clicks to view the comment’s other replies. Her stomach twists as she reads what the rest of the Cole Patrol has to say.

Fake.

Faker than Cecily’s eyelashes.

Desperate for attention, much?

And then, the most-liked reply:

Every single one of the Coles deserves to be in that hospital.

CHAPTER 21

Rudy

After a long night of deliberation, Rudy’s parents decide to make the announcement post anyway, despite the recent follower messages. After all, they can’t sell the house if no one knows that it’s on the market, can they? The photo is a shot of the exterior of the Tremont house, with Amber and Rudy smiling on the porch. Rudy knows it’s a great picture. Amber looks gorgeous. So happy, so perfect. The exact opposite of how they feel. The caption reads:

It’s been a rough couple of weeks for us here in the Cole family. We want to thank the #ColePatrol for standing by us in these tough times. To address a few rumors: Cecily’s health problems are, regrettably, real. While we understand that some find them distasteful, we will be continuing sponsored posts to pay her medical bills. Fans may also donate to our personal SupportMe (link in bio). On a second note, we are aware that a certain follower has been creating alternate accounts to circumvent our block and has been leaving threatening comments. We ask that you do not engage with him.

Finally, we have two announcements! First, the amazing people at Miracle Color have sent Amber some hair products, and she’s so excited to share a new hair look with you. Second, we are proud to announce that after all our hard work, we will be opening up the Tremont Street home in just one week—Monday, August 15th! We’re looking forward to seeing you at our open house, and we want to thank you all once more for your support. Stay tuned for more information.

The post goes live and Rudy waits. Wonders how long until the follower will comment.

He doesn’t have to wait very long. The follower comments in less than an hour.

Looking forward to it.

Does that mean the follower is planning to come to the open house? Rudy can’t get the thought out of his mind. He shows the comment to Amber and, judging from her stricken expression, he knows she’s thinking the same thing.

Rudy watches his parents’ faces as they read the message. His mom’s face grows even paler, and his dad sets his mouth into a firm, angry line.

Together, they decide that they can’t back out now.

“I’ll contact the police to let them know, and ask them to keep sending patrol cars by,” Mrs. Cole says.

“I’ll look into the possibility of hiring some extra security for the open house,” Mr. Cole replies.

Rudy doesn’t ask how he plans to pay for that.

The next day, Cecily comes home from the hospital.

Rudy and Amber wait on the porch as the Range Rover pulls up. Rudy watches Cecily exit the car, guided by their father, a mask of white bandages covering half her face. Rudy and Amber instantly run to her and envelop her in the tightest hug they can muster. As Rudy hugs her, he thinks that she feels smaller and frailer than before. But it feels so good to have her back.

“We missed you,” Amber says into Cecily’s hair. Rudy nods. Having the three of them together again makes him feel . . . better. Right. Whole.

Their parents lead Cecily inside, and after she dutifully comments on the renovation, Rudy follows Cecily up the stairs and into her room, which Mom has totally transformed to welcome her home.

She spared no comfort for Cecily, but what should look like a glamorous, but still cozy and welcoming bedroom has been totally spoiled by the blackout blinds covering the windows. Cecily’s wounds are still sensitive to light, and although the doctors had cleared Cecily for some exposure Mrs. Cole isn’t taking any chances. Cecily still has some time before she can be cleared to unbandage her face, and Rudy hates that he is a little glad about that.

He pictures what it would be like to take the bandages off, tries to imagine what Cecily’s face would look like now compared to the melted, gory mess he witnessed