Page 177 of Brighter Together

“And the other times.”

His brows draw together.

“What other times?”

My throat tightens.

“When I was younger. Lee broke my cheekbone once.”

Tommy goes completely still.

“Mum told the hospital I’d been attacked by a stranger.”

His eyes close briefly.

“When we got home, she told me I must have provoked him.”

“Ella…”

“I believed her.”

The first tear finally escapes.

“I spent years believing that if I could just stop saying the wrong thing or stop upsetting him or help enough, then he wouldn’t do it again.”

Tommy puts the ice pack down.

His hands settle gently around mine.

“I’m not doing that anymore.”

My voice shakes.

But the decision doesn’t.

“I’m going to tell them everything.”

Tommy squeezes my hands. “I’ll be right beside you for as much of it as they let me.”

“I might be terrified.”

“That’s allowed.”

A broken laugh escapes me. “What if my family hates me?”

I almost hate myself for asking it.

Tommy doesn’t answer immediately.

“I think they’ve spent a long time teaching you that losing their approval is the worst thing that can happen.”

He strokes his thumb over my knuckles.

“But whatever happens after today, you won’t be dealing with it alone.”

I nod.

That is enough.