Page 175 of Brighter Together

Because whatever Lee does, you don’t make things worse for him.

I stare at him lying on the ground.

My cheek throbs.

My throat burns.

Tommy is still standing between me and Lee even though the danger has passed, one arm stretched protectively across my body.

Something finally becomes clear.

Lee has never protected me.

My father never protected me.

My mother lied for him.

I have spent years protecting people who never once returned the favour.

I am done.

Alex comes towards us with his phone in his hand.

“The police are on their way. CCTV caught the whole thing.”

Lee starts struggling again.

“I didn’t do anything!”

I look up at the cameras mounted on the building.

For once, there is something other than my word.

For once, nobody can tell me I misunderstood.

Provoked him.

Exaggerated.

Ryan tightens his hold.

“Tommy,” he says, glancing towards us, “take care of Ella. We’ve got him.”

Tommy looks at Nick and Alex.

Nick nods.

Only then does Tommy turn fully towards me.

“Come inside.”

I let him guide me into the FMR building.

My legs work.

That feels like an achievement.

He keeps one arm around me as we climb the stairs.