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My cheeks flush at the mention of Percival and memories of our nights together flood my mind. I picture his strong arms around me, the heat of his body pressed against mine, the taste of his lips, and the intensity of his gaze. The thought is both thrilling and terrifying, leaving me breathless and lightheaded.
“Trust us, Spencer,” Fiona says with a soft gaze, reaching out to squeeze my hand. “Accepting help doesn’t make you weak. It just means you’re strong enough to know when you need it.”
As their words settle in my heart, I marvel if there’s truth in their wisdom. Maybe it’s time to take a leap of faith and see what happens when I trust someone else with my burdens. After all, isn’t life meant to be an adventure?
A cool, salty breeze ruffles my hair as I stare out the window. In this moment, everything feels perfect, yet my mind is heavy with the weight of indecision.
“Spencer,” Orla says gently, interrupting my thoughts. “I know you’re worried about losing your independence, but have you considered seeing a doctor to explore options for your hearing loss? With Percival’s assistance, you might be able to find a solution.”
My chest tightens at the mention of my hearing loss—a constant reminder of my vulnerability and the one thing I can’t control. I’ve always been determined not to let it define me, but the truth is, it’s an inescapable part of who I am.
“I appreciate your concern, Aunt Orla, but I’ve made peace with my hearing loss,” I reply, feeling defensive. “I’ve learned to live with it, and I don’t want to waste time and energy chasing solutions that are impossible for me to afford.”
As we disperse and go our separate ways, I feel torn. The warmth of their love and support is like a comforting embrace, but my desire for independence keeps pulling me in a different direction. My thoughts twist and turn, tangled in a web of conflicting emotions as I try to navigate this new terrain. But even amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope flickers within me—the possibility of a brighter future without my limitations.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Percival
Myphonebuzzes,interruptingthe half-hearted attempt to watch the news about what happened today at the stadium. The screen lights up with Spencer’s name, and I feel a jolt of excitement in the pit of my stomach.
Her: Hey, Percival, can we talk?
Me: Absolutely.
I reply, my fingers flying over the screen.
Me: When and where?
Her: Your place? Now?
Me: Perfect. See you soon.
I hit send and scramble to tidy up myself. My heart races as I imagine all the possible reasons for her sudden need to talk. Mason, the security guy looking over her, will follow her here. I know she’s in good hands, but thinking about her walking alone around the city…
Thankfully, fifteen minutes later, there is a knock at my door. Spencer arrives at my doorstep, her green eyes wide with vulnerability. The moment I open the door, she steps inside, closing it behind her. We stand close, the familiar scent of her shampoo filling my nostrils.
“Spencer, what’s going on?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Okay, deep breath,” she starts, taking a moment to collect herself. “Orla and Fiona… they’re not my real family.”
“What do you mean?” I question, confused by her revelation.
Fat tears are running down her beautiful face while she signs: “Remember when you asked about my hearing loss, how they haven’t taken me to the doctor? Well, they’re my mom’s friends, not my blood-related aunts. I was sick, and she felt overwhelmed with me. One day when I was twelve, she dropped me off at their door and never came back. I lost the ability to hear after that due a complicated respiratory infection. They tried to pay for the surgery before, but I refused. Orla and Fiona were doing too much already.”
“Spencer, why would you refuse?” I inquire, my concern growing.
“Because I felt guilty,” she admits, her gaze lowered. “I didn’t want to be a burden, and I was afraid of disappointing them if the treatments didn’t work.”
“Spencer,” I say, taking her hands in mine, feeling their warmth and strength. “You could never be a disappointment. You’re an incredible person, and they love you like family.”
“Thank you,” she responds, her voice trembling. “I know that.”
The weight of her revelation settles in my chest. I can’t stand by and let her continue to suffer in silence. She deserves to hear the world around her—the laughter of her friends, the melodies of her favorite songs, even the annoying buzz of traffic outside.
“Spencer,” I say, my voice unsteady. “I’m sorry for earlier.”
She looks away, biting her lip. “Can I come in?”
