“I’m okay. I think. No fevers and the goosebumps have disappeared from my arms.” I replied.
“Come lean against me anyways, we still don’t know if you got a cold from all that water.”
I moved closer to the bars, dragging the blanket with me. He leaned his back against it, and I instantly felt better with his warmth next to me.
“Scar?”
“Yeah?”
“Are we going to starve?” I asked.
I felt him take a deep breath, and there was silence for a while before he replied, “We already are.”
“Oh,” I pulled at a loose thread on my blanket. “Will we die here?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. I hope we don’t die here.” He rumbled.
“Do you think it’s like starving?” I asked. I didn’t like starving. It hurt so much.
“Starving isn’t all that different. The only difference is how long it takes you to fly away. I’m sure with your wings you’ll get far away, isn’t that why they call you little butterfly?”
“How did you know?” I asked in wonder.
“You talk in your sleep trouble.” He sighed.
“Oh,” I replied, not sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. We sat there quietly for a while before I asked my final question. “Will you talk to me until I fall asleep, I feel safe listening to your voice.” I yawned, already feeling sleepy.
“Always.” he confirmed and then began to talk about Prince Oliver again, or that’s what I think he started talking about. I wasn’t sure, as my eyes couldn’t stay open and my ears didn’t focus. Yawning once more, listening to the hum of his voice, I began to fall into a deep sleep.
“Good night Scar.” I mumbled.
“Good night trouble.”
37
YOU DON’T DESERVE HER
December 25th
Cole walked Summer into the house, placing her on the bed and covering her up. I watched as he smoothed her hair back and placed a kiss on her forehead. Shemurmured something, but it was too quiet for me to hear. He pulled the door closed and turned towards me.
“What are you still doing here?” He asked coldly.
I shrugged, not really sure myself. This was an odd predicament; usually on holidays I’d be working to avoid the awkward family gatherings.
“I’m curious when you’re going to tell her the truth.” I mused about making myself at home on one of their couches.
Cole’s eyes snapped to mine. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
A cold laugh bubbled up my throat, “Now that’s a lie to keep you warm at night.”
He sighed, coming to sit across from me as he cradled his head in his hands. “Everything it’s— complicated. I suspected but?—”
“But? You know the longer you delay the worst she’ll hate you.” I confirmed.
“Don’t pretend like you’re any better than me you fucking raped her, I should kill you.”
“Yet I’m still here.” I paused, letting that sink in before continuing, “That’s the difference between you and me, I know what I am. While you—“ I shook my head another laugh coming out. “You don’t want her to find the kid. You want her to depend on you. To hang on your every word. You think because you’ve coddled her you deserve her. You don’t.” I exhaled through my nose. “None of us do.” I said a bit more quietly.
