“I was worried,” his raspy voice started.
“Bullshit! You just couldn’t stand the thought of me being happy somewhere. What, you could not find someone else to yell at? Knock around? So, you came halfway across the country to do it again?” I was screaming at this point, but I didn’t care who heard. Liam jogged into the room, coming to my side.
My dad huffed at me. “I don’t know what kind of twisted story you have in your head, but it didn’t happen like that.”
“IT DIDN’T HAPPEN LIKE THAT? You didn’t beat Mom and Kaleb daily? You didn’t start on me after the accident? Dad, Kaleb did that on purpose to get away from you! It was your fault!”
He had the nerve to laugh. “It was an accident. You’re lying about everything. Just like you always have.”
“I’m going to prove it. One day.”
“I don’t care what kind of fairytale you’ve cooked up in your head, I just came to get what’s mine.”
“Oh, that’s rich. What exactly is yours?” I crossed my arms, daring him to ask.
“All of that money belongs to me, Autumn…”
“The hell it does! Kaleb and Mom made me beneficiary. He even left me a note,” I said. Getting braver, I stepped closer to him. “They didn’t want your sorry, abusive, alcoholic ass anywhere near it.”
Liam stepped between us. “I think you need to leave.”
“Who the hell is this jackoff?” he asked, as if he’d finally noticed Liam. He took in his clean button-down, designer jeans and watch, and decided right there that he hated him.
“Liam Shafer. Autumn’s boyfriend. I would shake your hand, be respectful, get to know you, but I don’t appreciate how you’re talking to my girl. So, I’m asking you again to get the hell off this property.”
I watched my dad’s face change from red to purple as he contemplated what to say, but he was stuck. He wouldn’t stand up to another man. He only abused the people he knew would take it. And that wasn’t me, not anymore. I was out of his grasp.
“I don’t need this shit,” he huffed, storming from the kitchen. I counted his steps and waited before he shut the door to breathe.
Gabby came rushing in as Liam wrapped his arms around me. “Autumn? What was that?”
“Not now,” Liam said. I clung to him, afraid that if I let go my knees would give out and I’d hit the floor in a blubbering mess. “Baby? Are you okay?”
And it hit me. I looked around the room as our friends trailed in, looking on with concern. They were clueless. All but one.
“You…” I looked at Liam, stunned.
“What, Autumn? Tell me…”
I started backing away. I grabbed Gabby, pulling her in my direction. “You were the only one who knew.”
His face fell as reality crashed into him like a roaring wave. “No.” He shook his head.
“Was this a joke to you? Get me to tell you everything so you could report back to Josie?”
He took a step closer, holding up his arms. His eyes were full of terror. “I swear to God I didn’t tell her.”
“Then how did she know, Liam? I’m thousands of miles away from home! She didn’t just run into him! You were the only one… I trusted you.”
Hot tears were stinging the back of my eyes and I had no choice but to let them spill over. Ruining my makeup and leaving me looking like a racoon as I made my dramatic exit.
“Gabby, take me home.”
“I got you, babe,” she said, linking my arm with hers. She mouthed something to Tyler before helping me down the hallway.
Liam was hot on my tail. “I swear, Autumn. I did not do this. I’ll find out how this happened…”
I ignored him, stunned. I just wanted to make it to the door and away from the audience. Once outside I ran to the passenger seat of her car, tearing open the door, but Liam kept me from shutting it.
“You have to believe me. I’ll do anything, Autumn. You just have to believe I wouldn’t do this to you.”
“And why would I, Liam? A girl doesn’t just act like that because she’s mad you turned her down… Something was happening. Why would I believe otherwise?”
“BECAUSE I LOVE YOU! I’m in fucking love with you, Autumn.” He stared at me, willing me to give in. It felt like an eternity. Gabby was in the driver’s seat, waiting for the word. Tyler stood behind Liam, watching in horror.
“I don’t believe you. Drive, Gabby.”
“Autumn…”
“Let her go, dude. We’re all drunk. Talk tomorrow,” Tyler stopped him midsentence as he closed the door. Liam collapsed on the grass, resting his knees on his forehead. I tore my eyes from him. I couldn’t go back there. Not again.
“For what it’s worth I don’t think it was him, Autumn. That boy is in love with you…”
“Not now, Gabby. I need a friend on my side.”
“I’ll always be on your side. Let’s figure it out tomorrow, okay?”
I nodded my head in agreement. The neighborhood streaked by, and I realized this would be the last time I ever came here again. It was over. My entire life had proved to me I should be cautious. But I couldn’t run this time. I had a feeling this heartbreak would follow me for the rest of my life.
“Will I ever be okay again?” I asked.
“I’ll make sure of it.”
Thirty-Two
The sky was crying with me. Or, to be less poetic, it was pissing my mascara off. The steady mist was hitting my face as I walked to my dreaded English class. Just a few more weeks, I reminded myself with each step.
It was easy to forget over Thanksgiving break. I put my phone on Do Not Disturb and binged New Girl. To my surprise, Josie didn’t come to gloat. I was alone with my thoughts. Well, and Jessica Day and her many heartbreaks on my new favorite show.
Now, as
