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A couple of hours later, we’re in Colton’s room watching a movie when I hear a door slam and loud voices coming from downstairs.??
Someone marches up the stairs with heavy steps, and Colton’s bedroom door swings open a moment later. A pissed-off looking Nox appears in the doorway.?
“You all set, man?” Colton questions, brow furrowing.?
“Why the fuck would you bring her here knowing he’s home?”??
“What do you mean? We’ve been in here the whole time. I didn’t even know he was here.” His defensiveness causes me to worry slightly. I’ve only ever seen their father briefly. All I know is he’s a drunk and comes home to raise hell whenever he feels necessary.??
“You need to go home, Em.” Nox eyes me. The stern tone of his voice leaves no room for negotiations.??
“Dude, he’s probably sleeping. Let us finish the movie and then she can head home. It’s almost over.”?
“Don’t fuckingdudeme. She is not to be in this house when he’s around. Period.”?
Colton goes to argue, but I place my hand on his chest, stopping his rebuttal.?
“It’s alright, I’ll go,” I say as I slide off of Colton's bed. Throwing on one of his hoodies, I lean over to give him a kiss on the cheek. The fact that Nox is so worked up over me being in the same house as his dad has me more than eager to leave. I’ve experienced one too many uncomfortable situations in my life, and I know he’s just trying to protect me.??
“I’ll walk you back,” Nox says as I pass him. I can feel the anxious energy surrounding him as we walk in silence down the stairs.??
I wave my goodbye to their mom, who's sitting in the living room watching a show, and we’re out the door.??
“I'm sorry,” I say in a sheepish whisper.?
“It’s not your fault, you didn’t know. I just don't trust the guy, and the idea of you being in the house when he’s there... Fuck, I wish Colton didn't have to be anywhere near him either but, unfortunately, we were born into it, so we don't have a choice.” His words trail off as his mind wanders.??
“Hey.” I stop walking as we reach the front steps of my house and face him. He drops his head and lets out a long, defeated sigh. Wrapping my arms around his middle, I pull him close to me. Nox carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, and I know his father is a huge trigger for him. So if he asks me to steer clear of the man, I will make it my business to do so.??
He places a light kiss on my forehead. “Goodnight, Em.”??
“Night,” I say, but he’s already too far to hear it. So lost in his own head, buried beneath the burdens of this shitty thing we call life.??
One day, we will all make it out of here, hopefully sooner rather than later.
Four
September
“This is so damn good, Mama,” Colton says with his mouth half full of baked spaghetti.?
“Thanks, baby. Now chew with your mouth closed, for heaven’s sake.” She stands up, grabbing Tupperware before she’s even done with her own food.?
“I’ll make a plate for you to take over to Emmy. I know this is one of her faves,” my mom says with a sweet smile. Isla Monroe is one of the most beautiful women you’ll ever see. Her hair is nearly jet black, just like mine and my brother’s. Long, dark lashes frame her hazel eyes, with specks of yellow always making them shine. Colt and I both got our dad’s green eyes. Thankfully, mine have the yellow in them from my mom, too.??
It’s hard to look in the mirror and see so much ofhim.?
“Yes, she would love that,” Colton responds right as the front door opens.?
The smell of stale cigarettes and liquor assault my nose, raising the hairs on the back of my neck.?
This is the first time he’s been home in over three weeks.??
“There’s my perfect little family,” he slurs and lets out a sardonic laugh.?
Fuck this guy.I can already tell how this is going to go.?
My mom doesn’t respond to him, but she makes quick work of plating him up some food. I want to tell her he can make his own fucking plate, but I know he will just take that out on her.?
