I turned it off when I got home, not wanting to see any mocking texts or receive nasty calls. I blinked when the text icon had a small three hundred above it. Holy hell. Char shook his head and read my texts, his arm tightening when I tried to retreat. He didn’t hurt me, he was careful, but I still stopped with a soft sigh. I did not doubt that if I continued to push, he would let me go to ensure I didn’t get hurt. Thus, since I was more worried he was upset with me than anything, I stayed. Clearing his throat, he read some texts out loud, continuing even after tears trailed down my cheeks. Seeming to sense I was about to bawl, he tossed my phone aside and pulled me tighter to his chest seconds before I lost control.
“I don’t think Angel is used to people caring about her,” Riff murmured, and Char made a noise of agreement. Every text he read asked how I was, expressed condolences for losing my parents, or someone’s sorrow for my past. Each one was personal, and I felt the sincerity of their words in my soul.
Sniffling, I raised my head, and Char smiled while tucking my bangs behind my ear. “The rest of them are like the ones you heard, I checked them all,” Char chuckled. “When you’re ready, read them yourself, and reply. Even just saying ‘I’m okay’ or ‘thank you’ is enough, sweetheart. But it warms people’s hearts when you respond to their kindly meant words. They don’t expect it immediately, but when you’re ready. At the moment, they want you to know they love you and offer their support, so if you need them, you know you can call upon them. Even if it’s just to chat about something unimportant, they will gladly do so, Angel. Whatever you need to help you through what you’ve suffered. To almost die and face your monster within twenty-four hours is no minor feat. So, yes, they’re worried.”
I nodded my understanding, and he smiled, placing a tender kiss on my forehead before helping me stand. When I looked at him in confusion, he reminded me he and Riff had work, and my cheeks heated. I couldn’t believe I forgot that. In my defense, the last few days overworked my emotions. Chuckling, Char ruffled my hair and threw his arm around my shoulders to lead me towards his car while Riff followed with a loud yawn.
Ava tutted when we walked in, throwing her arms around me and glaring at Marcus, who sighed with a grimace. When he opened his mouth, her eyes narrowed, and I shifted uncomfortably. It was my fault they were fighting, and I felt terrible. Softening, Ava hugged me tighter for a moment before confessing, “I’m sorry, Angel. I know he meant well, but I don’t like that you’re in pain. I promise we aren’t yelling or screaming hurtful words at each other. But I am upset with my husband, and he knows it.”
“Please don’t fight because of me,” I whispered in a voice full of pain, and she made a soft noise of protest. “I don’t want to be the reason someone is miserable.”
“Oh, I’m not miserable,” Marcus chuckled, although he wouldn’t meet my eyes when I raised my gaze. “Merely wishing I came up with a better plan. Perhaps a one-on-one showing instead of the entire school.” He winced when Ava growled, and I looked at her reproachfully. Shocked, Ava took a step back, her eyes dropping when I stared at her with a slight frown. “Hah,” Marcus muttered under his breath, “I’m not the only one in trouble.”
“You will not use me as a reason to argue, or fight, or whatever you’re doing,” I ordered in a voice that shook a little from the strength of my emotions. I couldn’t be stuck in the middle like this, I refused. I wasn’t worth arguing over. What a way to say thanks for everything, by coming between them and making them upset. No, I couldn’t do this. I would leave in the middle of the night if they didn’t stop.
“All right,” Ava soothed, her eyes meeting mine when I withdrew. “No running, Angel, or I swear we will yell so loud you must come back to make us stop.” A slight smile curled my lips at her threat, albeit my heart ached at the thought of them at each other’s throats. Especially if it was my fault. Not to mention, thinking of leaving them pained me, because I didn’t want to.
“Yes, you adopted us, Angel, took us in, you can’t abandon us now,” Marcus lamented, his eyes full of mischief. I narrowed mine, and he chuckled, holding his arms out in a silent demand for a hug, and I obliged. “In all seriousness,” he whispered in my ear, “Ava is hurt because she knows you’re in pain. So, she’s upset because of the emotional turmoil I put you through today. I understand, and I’m not angry with her or you either, so don’t you dare even think that. I am in the wrong, not you, sweetheart. I will give you another puzzle piece to mull over, albeit I’m sure you’ve picked up on it yourself. However, I am handing you a bit of power because once it’s confirmed, you can focus and use it. Before you get upset, the reason no one is worried is we know it’s not something you’ll ever consider abusing.” I stared at him, biting my lip with a furrowed brow, and he chuckled
