Ultraviolet Catastrophe Read Online Free

left.” Mom glanced around the house and shook her head before dumping my suitcase on the floor and heading back outside for the last load.
    I stared at her. She knew where my room was, too? What the hell was going on?
    The house smelled of cologne and stale air, like Dad was only here often enough to shower. Maybe he was. Yet another thing I didn’t know about him. I tucked my hair behind my ears and tightened my grip on my bag. I wasn’t going to find my room just standing here.
    The first door was open, and a quick peek inside at the navy bedspread and sparse decorations confirmed it was my dad’s bedroom. My heart did a little flip at the picture of me and Mom on his nightstand. The next room was empty, though it seemed to be a decent size. Might be nice for an office or something. I didn’t pay it too much attention; I was already drawn to the last door on the left.
    My hand shook as I turned the knob and pushed open the door. I don’t know what I expected, but it looked just like any other room. Full-sized bed, a large wooden dresser, plain vanilla walls. Empty of personality. Dad obviously hadn’t gone to any trouble to make me feel welcome here. To make his daughter feel at home. I tried to ignore the disappointment clogging my throat and dumped my suitcase on the bed.
    I heard Dad’s voice floating in from the hallway. I was tempted to wait for him to come to me, but instead, I took a deep breath and headed toward the kitchen.

I froze just inside the door.
    Dad’s fingers were tangled in the hair at the back of Mom’s neck. Her hands inched toward his waistband. Their bodies were pressed so close together I couldn’t figure out where one left off and the other began.
    Mom and Dad were kissing. Kissing?
    Oh. My. God.
    I stumbled back, tripping over a bag in the hallway, and they jumped apart. Mom’s fingers flew to her lips, and she wiped them furtively.
    “What are you doing ?” I could barely get the words out.
    Dad tugged at the front of his shirt and gave me a hesitant smile. “Lexie. It’s so good to see you. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year.” He crossed the room and pulled me into a huge bear hug.
    I inhaled the warm scent of soap and the faint tang of metal that always clung to his clothes. Part of me wanted to stay there forever, to feel safe and loved for a change, but I pulled away. I’d grown out of being Daddy’s little girl a long time ago.
    Dad stared at me, shifted his weight. “Um. You look good, honey. I like your hair long.”
    I tugged self-consciously at the dark brown strands. I’d gotten Mom’s beautiful brown eyes, but unfortunately, I’d also inherited her unruly hair. Before we’d left, I’d straightened out the frizz and left it down from my usual ponytail, though now I didn’t know why I’d bothered. I was only coming to visit Dad.
    “I’ve been growing it out for a while. Not that you’d know. And stop trying to change the subject. When are you going to tell me what the hell is going on?”
    “Language, please,” Mom admonished from where she had retreated to the kitchen sink.
    I glared at them, and when Dad glanced at Mom for help, I lost it. “You two were kissing. What aren’t you telling me? Is one of you dying?”
    Mom raised her eyebrow at Dad and shrugged. “I’ve been putting her off since we talked Thursday night. She needs to know the truth.”
    He shook his head, absently running a finger over the frayed cuff of his shirtsleeve. “Maria, you know we can’t tell her everything. There are security clearances and non-disclosure statements and…”
    The breath whooshed out of my lungs. “Hold up. Security clearances? Seriously, what is this about?”
    Mom ignored my questions and frowned at Dad. “You promised when the time came, we’d be straight with her. The time is now.”
    Dad let out a huge sigh. “I know, but I thought we’d have more time to, you know…” He gestured helplessly. “…prepare.”
    Screaming was quickly