“Laura, don't you even think about leaving with this lunatic,” Kevin said. “Switched at birth? Hospital cover up? Wealthy secret family? He's lying. This is some crazy attempt to destroy our family.”
Right. I wanted to destroy the family. Not my lazy brother who thought of himself as the prince of the house, not my abusive father who expected everyone to wait on him. Unfortunately, his warning had merit.
If she walked out the door and I was lying, she'd suffer even worse when she came home. Life might suck with Kevin, but it beat being homeless. Marginally.
“If my goal was revenge, Ma, why would I lie to you? You were the only one who cared about me. But I understand you need proof, so here.”
I pulled out my phone and showed it to her as I opened my banking app. When the balance appeared, Mom's eyes opened wider, and she clutched her chest.
“That’s just a small portion of what Nick inherited,” Uriel said. “If you decide to accept Nick’s offer, you will never want for anything again.”
I sensed Uriel doing something again, though I couldn't tell what. Despite everything, Mom still looked conflicted. Coming over, Uriel and I weren't sure it would work, and we agreed we wouldn't force her. I wanted to end her abuse, but she had to want the help first.
“It's okay, Ma. I know it's scary.” It was how I felt when I left the house for the last time; unsure what would happen. The difference was, I didn't have a choice. She did. “If you don't want to leave, I won't judge you. Gran and Gramp know how to reach me if you change your mind.”
Mentioning her parents was my last card. They'd pressed Mom to leave for years. It was up to her now.
Her emotions played across her face. Fear of the unknown was terrifying, but suffering abuse sucked worse. Once she broke free and we got her settled, she'd realize she should've left years sooner. First, however, she needed to want to leave.
“Nicky….” She was on the verge of tears.
I reached out and pulled her into a hug. “I promise I won't let you down, Ma. And I've never broken a promise to you.”
She sniffed and hugged me tightly. At the edge of my newly heightened senses, I felt Uriel's influence fading. I doubted he'd be able to keep Kevin and Jacob docile much longer. Fortunately, it had worked long enough.
“Only pack the things you can't replace,” I said. “I'll buy you everything else you need.”
Looking up, her gaze sought mine. I hoped she saw the love I felt and the sincerity of my promise. The silence stretched as she wrestled with the hardest decision of her life. I never wavered and tried to project trust and love. When she blinked, I knew she'd made the right decision.
“I'll go get my things.” She took a step toward her bedroom.
“You're not going anywhere, Laura,” Kevin said.
He and Jacob moved at the same time. Uriel was closer to Jacob, so I intercepted Kevin. I put a hand on his chest and shoved. I hadn't quite mastered my strength yet, and used more force than intended. Kevin flopped back in his chair.
“You don't get to decide anymore,” I said, surprised by the authority in my voice. “She's not your property. Ma can make her own choices now.”
From the corner of my eye, I saw Jacob windmill back onto the couch. Uriel disliked my family for how they treated me, but he'd promised to do his best not to harm them. Jacob glared at him, but like the cowardly bully he was, he didn't challenge someone who could fight back.
Mom had frozen while this played out. I nodded, and with renewed vigor, she quickly left for her bedroom. Kevin put his hands on the arms of his chair, but I set my sneaker on his chest.
“Stay there,” I said firmly, finding a balance between intimidation and cruelty. “This is happening no matter what you want.”
His eyes blazed with anger, but fear burned brighter. He knew I wasn't bluffing, so he sat meekly in his seat.
A minute after she left, Mom surprised me by coming out of her room with a copy paper box. She followed my eyes to the brown cardboard box in her hands. “I've thought about leaving many times. I just wasn't strong enough to go. Now I am.”
I was so proud of her. She'd finally found the courage to put herself first. I'd make sure she never looked back. “Head out. I'll be right there.”
When she shut the front door, I took my foot off Kevin. My voice dropped, and I leaned in close. “If you try to find her, contact her, or come anywhere near her, you’ll regret it. My uncle has connections everywhere. Wewillknow if you try, so don’t.”
The cold fury in my voice impressed even me. I hadn't meant to channel that much anger, but the thought of Kevin trying to hurt her again stirred something protective and dangerous inside me.
Kevin glared at me, his expression showing he believed every word. I let the stare off continue for a few more seconds, then backed away.
Uriel let me leave first, but I heard a thump behind me, followed by Kevin cursing. I didn’t bother to check on them. Uriel wouldn’t seriously hurt them, and I no longer cared about them.
Mom stood on the steps, pale and afraid, but with a determination I'd not seen before. I couldn’t project comforting thoughts like Uriel, so I put my arm around her. “It's going to be fine, Ma. Better than fine. We'll call Gran and Gramps from the car. I told them we’d visit before we leave.”
