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It’s for the best,I remind myself.I don’t want anyone going to prison.
“They’re falling for it?” Haven asks.
“So far,” I say. “What do you think?”
“I think they’re gonna be pissed, and that they might try to retaliate.” With a sigh, she adds, “I’ll also miss you.”
After thinking things over, I decided to continue on with Pemberton University to finish out my senior year, but not in person. I’ll transfer to their online program for the spring semester and move back in with my parents. That way, I’ll be four hours away, and they won’t beableto retaliate.
“If I can actually get them to love me, then by the time I cut them off, they’ll understand.”
“Love can be unpredictable,” Haven counters. “And hurting them that badly? They’ll be so angry.”
“Are you saying I shouldn’t do it?”
“No,” she blurts. “Go for it. The assholes deserve it. I’m just worried, that’s all.”
“I’ll be okay.” Reaching across the table, I take her hand and squeeze. “I’ll be completely out of their reach.”
“You never know,” she whispers. “Just because you think you’re free of someone doesn’t mean you actually are.”
“I’ll befine,Haven. Even when they were angry at me before, they never caused me that much physical harm. The same will be true this time.”
“I hope.” Haven shifts nervously, and her eyes dart around the park. She’s been glancing around like that for our whole conversation.
“Who are you looking for?” I ask.
“What? No one.”
But she says it too quickly, and she tucks her hair behind her ear immediately after. Both signs that she’s lying—she’s never been good at it.
“I feel like you’re not telling me something,” I say softly.
“My family is just…” She grimaces before shaking her head. “I have it handled. I don’t want you to worry.”
“Well, Iamworrying. What’s going on?”
“Nothing! Seeing them just brought back a lot of memories, okay? I feel… weird. Off. But I’m sure it’ll pass.”
“Oh. I’m sorry, I should’ve thought of that.”
“It’s fine.” She tucks her hair behind her ear again. “It caught me off guard, too.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“No. I don’t even want to think about it.”
“Fair enough.”
Growing up, my parents were strict, and they’re still awfully traditional. But compared to Haven’s family, they’re a dream. I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like, having grown up in a cult. She’s told me some of the things she was taught—some of the things she was forced to do and believe—and it makes me shudder every time I think about any of it.
“So you’re not gonna be back at the dorm?” Haven asks.
“Right. I’m sorry, I’ll miss you, but—”
“No, it’s good.” This time, she squeezes my hand. “It’ll help with your plan. And, uh, I don’t think they’ll let you leave, anyway.”
Groaning, I say, “Yeah. They’re awfully possessive.”
