AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My heart aches as I process this. “Heartbreaking. I don’t understand how she could treat him that way.”
“Who knows? It’s hard to say. Austin feels like his mom chose her new life over him. And now, even after all the hurt, he’s fighting for her. That says a lot about him.” Miles sips his beer.
My respect and admiration for my love deepens. “He’s trying to be the hero now.”
“Yeah, but here’s the thing,” Miles leans in. “I bet he doesn’t see it as being a hero. To him, it’s making amends for not being good enough for her back then. He was a kid. Powerless. But being singled out for being different—it’s stayed with him.”
I feel a surge of anger, not at Austin, at the whole messed-up situation. “She’s his mom. She should’ve protected him.”
“Of course she should have. But it’s not always black and white.” He struggles to find the words. “Domestic situations, especially ones with control and fear at play, they’re…intricate. Messy.”
My brother is, seriously, the wisest and most intuitive man I know. I take a deep breath. “So, what should I do? How do I help him?”
“Be there. Listen. And when he pushes you away, because trust me, he will, give him space but let him know you’re not going anywhere. The thing about Austin is, once he lets those walls down, he loves deeply and for life.” He leans forward and boops me on the nose. “But, you knew that already, didn’t you?”
“Yeah.” I can’t help but smile thinking about the many times Austin has shown his vulnerable side to me. God, I love him so fucking much.
Miles gives me a reassuring smile. “Shay, he loves you. Even if he doesn’t always show it, he needs you. Be patient.”
“I will.” It’s like a weight has lifted and been replaced by a renewed determination. “You’re the best twin ever.”
“I know.” He smirks.
As we leave the café, I can’t wait to get home.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but with understanding, patience, and love, Austin and I can face anything.
Together.
Ten minutes later, I unlock the door to our apartment. The dim lighting reveals a familiar silhouette slouched on the couch. Austin’s hunched form appears defeated, a stark contrast to the usually confident man I’ve grown to love.
“Babe?” I call out tentatively, setting my bag down.
Austin looks up. His handsome face is drawn and tired. His hair, usually meticulously groomed, is grown out and disheveled. “Hey.” His voice seems to be carrying the gravity of a thousand unsaid words.
Walking over, I settle beside him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. “Talk to me,” I urge gently.
He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I found a way out for her. I have a house in escrow. A family law legal team. A housekeeper and nanny. More than what she needs to break free.” He swallows hard, looking away. “But she’s hesitating. Said she wants to think about it. After everything… I don’t understand.”
A feeling of helplessness washes over me, but I push it aside. Remembering my conversation with Miles, I know this is one of those moments where Austin needs me most. “Austin, sometimes, when you’ve been in the dark for so long, the light can be blinding, even terrifying.”
“I want my mom back. I want her to be safe. To have a life away from that asshole. Why won’t she take my help?” He meets my gaze, his brown eyes are filled with frustration and sorrow.
I gently cup his face. “Fear does strange things to people. Maybe she’s afraid of the unknown, of starting over. Or maybe she’s afraid of what he might do if she tries to leave.”
“I’ve done everything, Shay.” Austin’s eyes well up with tears, which he hastily wipes away. “Everything I could think of. And it feels like it’s not enough.”
I pull his head into my lap and rub his back. Thread my fingers through his hair. “You’ve done more than anyone could’ve expected. It’s her choice now, Austin. You can’t make it for her.”
He buries his face in my lap, his voice muffled. “I know. I wish I could.”
We sit in silence for a few minutes, the soft hum of the city outside our window the only sound.
“You know, Miles and I had a talk today.” I scoot down on the couch beside him and nestle in his arms. I stroke his beard and flick my eyes to his. “He helped me see things from your perspective. About your mom, the guilt, everything. And while I can’t claim to understand fully what you’re going through, I want you to know something.”
Austin looks at me, waiting.
“I’m here, Austin. No matter what happens, I’m by your side.” I press my lips to his. “Whether she chooses to leave or stay, whether you’re filled with joy or battling demons from the past, I’m with you. Every step of the way.”
