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“The others,” I sigh, stepping back so that I’m looking into her soft eyes.
“Yes.”
“Cancel your plans.”
“I can’t.”
“You can.”
Her teeth sink into her lower lip as we look at each other. Slowly, she nods.
“Okay.”
A grin stretches across my face. “Yeah?”
“Yes.” She smiles, flushing.
Trailing my hand down her hair, I pick up a strand of it and rub it between my thumb and pointer finger.
“See you there.”
* * *
After school, the blaring music isn’t enough to drown out my thoughts when I get to the gate in front of my house. Well, it once was a gate. Now it’s strips of rusted metal hanging off its hinges.
If it wasn’t for the music, I’m positive I’d hear the yelling. Walking down the side of the house, I yank out one of my ear buds. The yelling is coming from the kitchen. Inching the door open, I slip inside and head straight to my room.
When I hear glass shattering, I stride down the hall. Mum is sitting in her armchair, lower lip trembling as my father stands over her, shouting. I can’t stand how she sits there and lets him do this. I don’t bother bringing it up anymore, I’m too exhausted to argue.
“Get the fuck away from her,” I snap. “She gets it. Pour another bourbon down your throat and leave everyone the fuck alone.”
He whirls around to face me. Unshaved face. Glossy eyes. Long hair messily swept back.
“Don’t you come in here and tell me what to do. Under my own roof,” he snarls, his upper lip curling like it always does when he’s had one too many. Or ten.
How many times does this need to happen before I learn to let it go?
Shaking my head, I turn away from him. I’ve barely turned my back to him when his hand slams into my shoulder and I stumble, jamming painfully into the wall. Photo frames crash to the floor, glass splintering at my feet.
My elbow flies back and connects with the side of his head. A scream floods my ears as my father’s hand cracks against my cheek. My jaw dislodges for a moment and my knee gives way. I feel glass stab into my leg and I stagger to my feet, blood rushing to my head.
Blindly, I stumble for the door and leave, not looking back. This is usually the time I go to Brennon’s but instead, I pull up Josie’s contact.
“Hello?” she asks in a low voice.
“Josie,” I breathe. “Can we meet? Like right now?”
She’s silent for a moment. “Yes.”
Pain pulses behind my eyes. I hear the front door swing open as I push my bike forward. I’m down the street and gone, but I can still hear him roaring my name. I ride as fast as my legs will take me. It’s a trek out to the dam, but the more distance between me and him, the better.
Sweat drips into the cut on my cheek as I step off the bike and throw it down. I hiss with each movement. The sun is slowly sinking, but the heat is still unbearable.
I fucking hate this place.
A tire crunches on the loose gravel, and I look up. Her hair blows back from the breeze as she skids to a stop. She wanders cautiously over to me. She cups a hand over her eyes and stares at me. I push to my feet and reach for her hands.
“Christ.” She gulps. “What happened to you?”
