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Wren takes in a few grunts, then pulls herself from me. I hold her face in my hands as she stands between us, her lover and her brother. She sniffles as she speaks, and Christ, how it breaks my heart.
“My mother….my mother….She's up to her old tricks again.”
Wren struggles to speak, wiping her face with the back of her head. I rub my hand in circles on her lower back while Cash looks on, seeming just as concerned as I am.
“She's trying to control me again. She told me that she won’t pay for another semester… Unless…unless…”
The tears begin to flow madly, and Cash and I exchange a look. Her face falls into her hands as she wails. I kiss the top of her head, soothing her with my voice and a caress that moves to her neck.
“You can tell us, honey,” I say, trying to keep my voice even. “You can tell us anything.”
Wren pulls her face from her hands and instantly looks at Cash. His face drops, and my heart picks up the pace. I know before she opens her mouth.
“She wants us to break up, Hunter. Our parents, Cash. They don’t want me to be with him.”
Cash takes in a deep breath, also trying to contain his outrage. He places his hands on his hips and shakes his head back and forth furiously.
“They are some fucking pieces of work, I swear to God,” he mutters through gritted teeth. “This bullshit will not stand!”
I have never seen Cash this angry in my life. It is clear that he and Wren have forged a connection, held together by the strings of their neglected and selfish parents. I can see why their relationship flourished once the truth came to life. They aren’t the enemies. Their parents are.
Before Wren or I can say anything, Cash storms out of the apartment.
“I will be back. Don’t wait up,” is all he says.
He doesn’t slam the door, merely leaves it ajar. Wren’s face crumbles, and she begins to scold herself.
“God, Hunter, what have I done! Everywhere I go, a fucking disaster follows!”
I scowl at her, then guide her to the couch.
“I have many counterpoints to that statement. Hold on a second.”
I go to the door to close it and lock it tight. Cash has a key, should he return. I then go to the fridge and pull out a crisp bottle of water. I bring it to Wren and sit next to her, rubbing her thigh as I bring the opened bottle to her mouth.
“First of all, drink some water. It’ll help.”
Wren drinks it, still sniffling but slowing down. When she finishes a good gulp, she starts to breathe deeper but is looking down at her hands.
“Second of all,” I begin, bringing my hands to her shoulders and starting to massage.
Her eyes close as she listens.
“You know that what you just said is a false narrative, right? It’s what your parents want you to believe. They want you to believe that you are coming between some family matters because they can’t accept that what they did in the past caused it. It’s all projection.”
I notice her jaw loosen, her body softening at my touch. She nods, and I bring my lips to her forehead. It is cool to the touch.
“Are you cold?” I whisper.
Wren shrugs. I pull her into me, kissing the top of her head again.
“Wren, you can tell me anything. I meant it when I said that. I want you to tell me what your needs are, and I will gladly fill them. And I am here for you no matter what.”
Wren raises her head to meet mine. Those gorgeous bright eyes look up to me like daisies look to the sun.
“No matter what?” she says faintly.
“Of course,” I say, chuckling. “I have said that to you before. I mean it. Family is supposed to do that for each other. And since your horrible mother doesn’t, I will do it for you. I am your found family now, Wren.”
