"I've been a crappy friend, and I'm sorry. You just better not chicken out on singing after all of this," Sawyer added, trying to lighten the mood as he ruffled the top of my head like he used to.
"Ah, don't do that! I have not missed that."
I had.
While I was trying to fix my hair, Sawyer left the room, chuckling to himself. I missed that deepening laugh. Following him, I had a feeling he was going to look for food, and we hadn't finished dinner when we left.
"How long are we staying here?"
"Not sure," Sawyer answered, staring into the fridge.
"Any rough ideas?"
"I'm planning on us staying here for a couple of days at least. I'd been popping in here the last two, and they're gone for another week."
"Us? Days?"
He turned to me.
"Well yeah us. I'm not leaving you alone with my dad. And I'm not going near that man anytime soon. So yes, yes and days."
"I understand, but we can't stay here forever. Our stuff for school tomorrow is in that house."
"For tomorrow, go unprepared and wear Ricky's older sister's clothes. After school, while he's at work, I'll go over and get some stuff."
"Sawyer, you know I'm always here for you, but is this wise?"
I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. Shyly I stared at him, finally realizing he wasn't that little kid I grew up with anymore.
Sawyer was always taller than me, but it was different now. Standing next to his dad, he was adult height. His shoulders were broader. Sawyer always had been protective, but he'd never hit anyone before, let alone his dad.
Yet, I saw his brownish-green eyes. There was confusion and anger, but I could still see some of the old Sawyer in there somewhere. Walking over to him, he was watching my every move, not sure what to do.
Almost hesitantly, I reached up to push the brown strands out of his eyes. I saw the tiny bits of green in those brown orbs. Sawyer's eyes were searching in mine. I found the guy I've known my whole life.
"I'm serious. I've missed you." I whispered.
"Same here," his features softened as my hand was on his face. His voice was gentle this time.
"Should we talk about what happened that day and tonight?" I finally was able to ask.
Something changed in his eyes.
"No," Sawyer spoke as he walked out of the room.
Shaking my head, I went into Ricky's sister's room, which was pale lime green and black all over. This family had a thing for green. Crawling into one of her oversized shirts and pants, I went to sleep feeling odd in another person's house.
We were talking to each other, slowly trying to work on what we used to have. Being there nearly a week, I wondered if Sawyer thought we could live there like that forever. We had some food at the house, we attempted to cook some dinners, and we went to school. Not that I didn't understand that he was afraid or frustrated that his father hit him. Thinking of that reminded me of when Dr. Vodola had his fingers around my throat. It was a very traumatic experience. No one should have to be strangled by a parental figure. Or, in his case, getting smacked then having to turn around and return the hit.
I was drawing my knees into my chest with my hands inside the sweatshirt. I was hiding in the corner of my closet in my room, collecting my thoughts for a moment. It was the first time that I was home since the fight. I was supposed to be getting ready for the concert, but I was afraid.
Taking deep breaths, I slowly stood up and got dressed in black concert attire. The black dress ended at my knees and was sleeveless. Slipping on my shoes, I walked out of the closet. I ran out of the room with my jacket, putting it on before Sawyer could see me.
"I'll meet you in the car. I'm turning off the computer, then I'll be there," Sawyer yelled from the other room.
Sighing, I tried to breathe slowly and keep the butterflies at bay. Running into his car, I played with the dress to hide my legs. The cool breeze swept through the driveway, letting me know winter was here. I prayed Sawyer would get us out of here before Dr. Vodola showed up.
As I chewed on my bottom lip, the car door opened, making me jump. My neck snapped, and smiling brown eyes greeted me.
7
Sawyer
I turned the engine of my car off, my smile vanished as I saw another vehicle near the garage. I trudged my way to the house, knowing this had to happen. I couldn't avoid my dad forever. I hope that I could make it back in time for the concert.
Opening the door, my hand was steady as the house was quiet. My eyes were scanning everywhere and everything, expecting him to pop out of nowhere for the attack. It was then I noticed him sitting at the table—the scene of the crime.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't my lovely son returning home."
My blood froze when he said the word son. I was not related to him. I refused to believe that I had any of his blood running through my veins. If I could leave like my mother, I would have done so years ago.
"Well, you know I just had a fabulous vacation."
Our eyes locked like fire orbs at each other. I got my stubbornness from the man. I would give him that much.
"Yes, and her."
"Leave Madeline out of this, you bastard," I growled.
"You better not have touched her." My dad muttered with his eyes narrowing.
"Are you out of
