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“Let me know if you hear anything.”
“I will.”
I capture her lips in mine, tangling my fingers in her hair. Her arms close around my waist as she relaxes against me. I don’t want to leave her, terrified that if I do, it will be the end of us.
Dave lays on the horn, making Ivy laugh. She ducks her head and pushes me away. “Go, get out of here. Make sure Ellie’s okay. I’ll talk to you later.”
I walk backwards down the driveway, watching until she closes the door behind her.I am completely gone for this girl.
The ride back to Dave’s house is silent. When he pulls up, I grab my keys and unlock my own car.
“You’re not coming in?” Dave asks as I throw my overnight bag into the backseat.
I’m tempted. I need a shower and I really don’t want to see my… Bill, but I can’t put this conversation off any longer. “I need to check on Ellie,” I tell him.
Kody gives me a wave and heads inside, but Dave hesitates. “Look man, I don’t know exactly what’s going on at the moment, but if you need a place to crash, my door’s always open.”
“Thanks. You’ve been a really great mate.” I give him a generous smile then climb in my car and back down the driveway.
I’ve tried to call Ellie a few times since we left the campsite, but her phone’s been off. I have no idea what I’m walking into when I arrive at my house. At least Mum’s car is in the driveway, so I know she’ll be there to soften the blow.
I’ve never felt like I belonged in my family–at least now I know why. All the criticism and ostracising all makes sense now. I take a deep breath to quell my nerves before I push the door open. I half expect to be locked out, but the handle gives way.
The sound of sports highlights drifts down the hall from the TV in the living room. I can hear Mum on the phone in her office. Not ready to face either of them yet, I head upstairs. I bypass my bedroom on the right and head down the hall to Ellie’s. Her door is closed, but I can hear Taylor Swift playing on the other side, so I know she’s in there.
I knock softly and wait, the pounding of my heart rivalling the beat of the music. Ellie didn’t say much at all last night. I think she was in shock, and when Harley demanded her car keys, she just cried. I have no idea how she’s feeling about me. I try the handle, but it’s locked. I knock a little louder, praying the sound doesn’t travel downstairs.
“Go away,” Ellie shouts. The pain in her voice cuts through me like a knife.
“Jelly, it’s me,” I croak out, knocking again. “Please, open up.”
The music cuts off and the lock click. Her door swings open and the sight of her bloodshot eyes has me sweeping her up in my arms. “I’m so sorry,” I tell her, my voice muffled by her hair.
“It’s not your fault,” she sobs, fisting my shirt tight. “It’shers.”
“Have you spoken to her?” I guide us both into her room, closing the door behind us.
Ellie nods, taking a seat on her bed. “I confronted them when I got home. Mum just stood there crying. She didn’t even try to say anything. Dad refused to talk about it. He said it didn’t matter because as far as he was concerned, you’ve moved out and you’re not his problem anymore.”
I let out a frustrated grunt.Moved out.The bastard didn’t give me much of a choice. Not that I wanted to stay here anyway.
“I told him he couldn’t do that to you, that you’re a part of this family. He told me to stay out of it and go to my room, so I did. I haven’t spoken to either of them since. Why would she do it, Connie? I don’t get it.”
“Have you seen who she’s married to?” I snarl. “What I don’t understand is why she came crawling back to him.” Her face drops and I realise what I’ve just implied. “The only good thing that came out of that was you,” I assure her. “I wouldn’t give you up for the world, but I fucking hate him, El. He’s made my life a living hell for as long as I can remember. I don’t want to live with him.”
“But what will you do? You can’t touch your inheritance until you graduate.”
I shrug. “I’ll talk to Mum. I’m sure we can sort something out. Don’t worry about me.” I give her shoulder a squeeze. “Have you spoken to Tom or Harley?”
“They’ve both got their phones turned off.” She plays with the hem of her shorts. “Why didn’t you tell me when you found out?”
I nervously rub the back of my neck. “I hadn’t planned on saying anything this weekend. I didn’t knowhowto tell you. I didn’t even realise Tom knew.” I sigh. “I’m sorry, Jelly. I should have stayed home this weekend. As usual, I’ve fucked everything up for everyone.”
“It’s not your fault,” my sister’s voice is strong and steady. “You didn’t ask for any of this, Connie.” Her face goes white and she brings her hand up to cover her mouth. “Oh my God,” she whispers. “Do you think that’s why Sam was so against Harley being with me?”
“He knew you were together?” I ask, my eyes widening.
Ellie nods. “I was there on Christmas Day. He wasnothappy to see me.” Her breathing falters and she clutches my arm, nails digging into my skin. “Do you think that’s why Harley won’t talk to me?”
