Page 63 of This is Me

“Yeah,” I said quietly, looking down at the floor and gripping the strap on my bag.

“I’m, uh, Blaire, block your ears.”

I looked at Blaire again, who raised her eyebrows at Brad for a moment before doing as he said.

“I’m proud,” Brad finished, and I stared back at him as he looked at the bag hanging over my shoulder. “You don’t wanna face mum and dad.”

“Astute,” I muttered with a small nod. “I just want to give them time if they need it. To adjust.”

“They won’t care. You have to know that.”

“I don’t, though. And… I’m scared.”

Brad nodded slowly. “You know, Mum isn’t going to sleep until you come home?”

“I’ll text her saying everything is okay. Just having a friendly sleepover,” I said, feeling my gut fall at Brad’s words.

I wished there was an easy choice to take.

“I get it. I’ll do what I can to make her not worry.”

“Thanks. Blaire,” I added, turning to Blaire and gesturing for her to take her fingers out of her ears, which she did. “Let’s go.”

With one last look at Brad and a subtle nod in his direction, I grabbed my keys from the bench near the front door and headed outside with Blaire by my side and my heart in my throat.

I really hoped I hadn’t fucked everything up.