Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 124923 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124923 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Lawrence ignores my mother altogether, coming to a stop in front of me, setting the box down at his feet. “I’m sorry, Valen,” he says, his tone solemn. “I know how your mom can be, but I didn’t think—I didn’t know—” He stumbles over his words.
I shake my head. “I didn’t want this to happen.”
Lawrence stops me before I can finish my sentence. “This is not your fault,” he insists. Tears prick the back of my eyes and I nod, clenching my jaw, willing them not to fall. “If you need anything, you have my number.” He gives my shoulder a squeeze before bending down to retrieve his box of belongings.
“Thanks, Lawrence.” I try to give him a smile, but I think it comes out wobbly.
I watch him make his way down the stairs, walking past my mother without a word, without so much as sparing her a glance. Her spine straightens, chin jutting out, refusing to show any signs of weakness, but I can tell by the way her throat bobs on a swallow and her fingers curl into fists that she’s barely containing her reaction.
Guilt snakes its way up my spine, even though logically, I know it’s misplaced.
Lawrence disappears from view seconds before the front door slams behind him. My mom flinches at the sound, then turns her attention on me. I don’t realize that I’m fidgeting with the hem of my skirt until Holden’s hand stills my movements, then settles on my lower back, warm and steady. It’s embarrassing having him here to witness this, but there’s also a comfort in his presence and his silent support.
“Well,” my mother starts, coming to a stop in front of me, “you must be very pleased with yourself.”
“Yes, because this was my master plan. You caught me.”
“I’m sure it’s an added bonus.”
“Would it kill you to take an ounce of responsibility for your actions?” I step forward until there are only inches between us. “You are the most selfish, manipulative person I’ve ever known. I never understood why you insisted on clinging to me when you clearly hate me so much, but I think I’ve finally figured it out.”
A single brow arches above her dark frames, daring me to continue.
“It’s because deep down, you know that at the end of the day, no one sticks around for long, and once I’m gone, you’ll be all alone forever.”
Her lips purse, her hand poised to slap me, but Holden intercepts it before she can make contact with my face. He holds her bony wrist, not releasing her when she tries to jerk it away.
My mother just tried to hit me. My own mother just tried to hit me. My laugh is a derisive sound as it bubbles up my throat and past my lips. “Goodbye, Mom.” I walk past her, trying to appear unfazed as I make my way down the stairs.
“Let go of me,” she says to Holden.
“You’re lucky your daughter is a better person than me, because if I were her, I’d throw you over this railing right now.”
I don’t look back, but I hear her bracelets clink together, so I assume he’s released her. I don’t stop to wait for him, needing to get out of here. I pull the door open none too gently, not stopping until I’m at my car. When I turn to look for Holden, I find him in the doorway.
“Nice to meet you, by the way!” Holden tosses over his shoulder before closing the door behind him, making me snort out a laugh. He jogs over, dropping my bag at our feet before taking my face in his hands. “Are you good?”
I nod up at him. “I’m fine. Sorry you had to see that.” I look away, peeling his hands from my cheeks, then turn away, reaching for my door handle. Holden slaps a palm against the car door, stopping me from getting inside. “Don’t.”
I spin around, my back pressed against the car door. “Don’t what?”
“Don’t try to shut me out. Stop hiding from me.”
“I’m not hiding. You’re just ruining my dramatic exit.”
He smirks, not buying the lie. “No, you’re trying to act like none of that bothered you.”
I don’t deny it, knowing it’s no use with Holden. “And?”
“And it should fucking bother you. I’m not exactly an expert on love, but I’m pretty sure that when you love someone, your first instinct is to protect them.”
Like you protect me?
“I’m fine,” I say again, feeling farther and farther from fine the longer we continue this conversation.
“I’m sorry she didn’t protect you. You deserve so much more than—”
“Holden, please don’t be nice to me right now. You’re going to make me cry and I really fucking hate crying.” I rest my forehead against his chest. His palm smooths down the back of my head before he leans down to kiss the top of it.