Page 124 of The Jealous Girl

What had I done?

I scrambled off the bed, hurrying after him as he stormed out of the bedroom and down the hall.

My heart lurched as he reached the door.

‘Ryan?’

He didn’t pause. Didn’t look back. He just opened the door and walked out.

I sank to my knees, staring at the door as it closed behind him.

I couldn’t move. Couldn’t cry.

He’d gone.

43

NOW

Late August

Friday

‘What happened with your mum?’ Ben asked as we clambered into his car.

I clamped my jaw closed.

‘Sorry,’ he said quickly. ‘You don’t have to answer that. It’s not my place to have asked.’

‘She left,’ I said suddenly, taking both of us by surprise.

I never talked about her. Why would I? She’d abandoned me.

‘How old were you?’

‘Seven.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Ben said.

I glanced at him, waiting for the rest. The questions. The blame.

What did you do?

Why didn’t she want you?

Love you?

‘That sucks,’ Ben said solemnly.

‘Yeah,’ I agreed. ‘It did.’

‘Did? Doesn’t it still?’

‘I got used to it.’

‘Did you?’ He looked at me doubtfully.

I hesitated. Could I honestly say yes?