The Wright One

HANNAH

I can’t get out of this house fast enough. I let my guard down and look where that got me. Right back where I started, literally. Running down the stairs, I don’t know what to do. Justin brought us here, how the hell do we leave?

When I come to the den I see Lauren looking at everyone playing outside. She turns and looks at me. The smile quickly fell from her face. “What is wrong sweetie?”

“I have to go.”

She shakes her head. “No more running. What is going on?”

“He kissed me. I can’t do this again. I just can’t.”

She pulls me into a hug while I cry. “Sweetie, what are you scared of?”

“He will leave again. I don’t fit in his box. I am just the mother of his son. That is all I am.” I am a blubbering mess.

“Is that all you really think you are? Sweetie that boy adores you. He did then too. He fell apart when you left. You didn’t see it, but I did. The first day that you didn’t show up for the tutor session, he locked himself in his room and didn’t come out the whole day. It continued for at least two weeks. He didn’t go to any dances the rest of the year, except prom and that is because his friends made him go. You leaving him hurt him far more than he let anyone know. But I am his mother, I know.” Her hand is running up and down my back. It was soothing, but I didn’t feel all that much better.

“Now, you are all he talks about. He is opening a new company and all he can talk about is you. Doesn’t that tell you something? That boy is smitten with you. I don’t know how you don’t see it.” She coos to me the way that I always wished that my mother would have.

“I just… It’s too much.”

She pats my head. “Leave Caden with me for the night. Take the night and time. Think about everything and where you want it all to go.”

I shake my head. “I couldn’t do that.”

“Sweetie, he is my grandson, I can watch him for one night and it isn’t going to hurt anything.” Lauren protests. I know she is right. I have just always had trouble with trusting other people. Not that I don’t trust Lauren, I do. So maybe this is my first step in letting go of some things.

“Alright. Can you have one of the guys take me home? Or I can call a cab.”

She shakes her head. “William will take you. He was going to have to leave soon anyway. He has to get back to work.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

I gladly accepted. I want to get away from Justin for a little while. I need a clear head and there is no way that I am going to get that with him anywhere near me.