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The beep tells me it's time to speak and I sigh. "Carter, I don't think I can do this. I'm standing in front of the conference center and the parole hearing is due to start within the next twenty minutes, and I just can't seem to convince myself to go inside. Maybe it was a mistake, thinking I could do this. I'm not strong enough to face him alone, and I just...I really wish you were here."
I hang up the phone and give into all the anxiety and doubts telling me that I shouldn’t be here right now. But as I turn around to leave, my cold, dead heart beats once more.
Standing five feet away is none other than Carter. He's wearing a black suit, with his hair freshly cut and styled, looking like the epitome of everything I need right now.
He shrugs and lets his shoulders drop, but he doesn’t move. "I told you, I will always show up to save you."
I walk directly into him and feel nothing but comfort as he wraps his arms around me. He came all the way here, even though we hadn't spoken, and I'd given him no indication that I gave a damn about him at all. He just showed up.
Stepping back, Carter puts his hands on my shoulders and bends down so I'm forced to make eye contact with him. "I cannot even imagine how scared you are right now. Just being here is traumatic enough for you. But I need you to do something."
"What?" I warble out, trying to force back the tears.
"I need you to remember that you are not that same helpless little girl anymore. You are not the same person that he was able to manipulate and control. You are older now. And wiser. And stronger. You are Tyeler motherfucking Morgan, and you are the most badass person I know."
A wet laugh leaves my mouth as I stare back at him, and he smiles, making my insides flip.
"You can handle this, because you can handle anything. I know you can. There isn't a doubt in my mind that you have the ability to walk in there and kill any chances that man has at getting out."
He reaches forward and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. I lean into his touch as his thumb caresses my cheek.
"He's not the one in the power role anymore, babe. You are."
Leaning in, he doesn't try to kiss my lips, but the one he presses to my forehead is so much better. He releases me and steps to the side, putting his hand out for me to take.
Inhale. Count to five. Exhale.
I lace my fingers with his and take one more look at the building before walking inside.
I am not alone.
