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Damn. That seriously sucks. “I’m sorry.”
“Me too. But, it forced me to take a good look at my life and I made changes. I finished my degree, became a teacher, fell in love.” She looks down. “Imagine my surprise when I moved to Black Hallows last year and saw a gorgeous little blonde girl with bright blue eyes in the parking lot of a grocery store next to my cousin Karen. Did I mention I named her Eden? After the garden in the Bible? It was perfection on earth...and so was she.”
“Are you go
She shakes her head. “I went home and told my husband. He didn’t know about her, but I wanted her back so badly, it didn’t matter. I wanted to fight for her. I figured he’d understand, and maybe even be happy since we were talking about having children.” She swallows hard. “But that was the first time he ever…” She trails off, but she doesn't have to finish that sentence.
I already know where the road ahead leads.
His fists.
“Let’s just say he made it clear that trying to get her back was not an option…” She averts her gaze. “Things went downhill at home. I mean, it’s not like they were great before, but it got bad. I stalked Karen for a bit after I knew where to find her, but Eden looked happy. She was smiling and gorgeous and well taken care of. I couldn’t...”
“You don’t want to bring her into this.”
“I’d rather die than see my daughter be abused.” She snorts. “And with the way his temper’s been escalating, hell I just might.”
“I can take care of him.”
I’ve offered once before, but she declined.
She cups my cheek. “You’re sweet. But it’s my mess. I’d never forgive myself for getting you involved and possibly ruining your life.”
She gets off the bed and starts getting dressed. The bruises on her body make my blood boil.
But it isn’t my life, it’s hers. I have to respect her decisions.
“One day I’ll leave him.” There’s a hint of determination in her eyes. “I’ve been trying to store some cash away, little by little whenever I can.”
“I can give you money.”
“No, honey. I appreciate it, but you’re still a kid. I won’t let you get involved in this.”
Her life. Her choice. I remind myself.
“Offer stands whenever you want it.”
“I know.” She grabs her purse. “I have to get home to make him di
I hope she puts arsenic in it.
I nod. “See you at school tomorrow.”
She fidgets, which is odd since she’s usually in a rush to get back home to her piece of shit husband.
“Promise you won’t laugh?”
“No.”
She rolls her eyes before her expression turns solemn and she holds up her right hand. “See this ring?”
Jewelry isn’t really my thing, but it’s nice. “Let me guess, it’s an I’m sorry I beat you last night gift from your prince charming.”
I’m being a dick. I promised I wouldn’t judge her and yet here I am.
It just pisses me the fuck off that she won’t accept my help. I know to her I’m just a teenager, but I’m more mature than half the adults my age and have the means to make her life better.
Hell, I could probably teach her a thing or two. Make her stronger.
She closes her eyes. “I’m go
“Wait,” I say when she starts to turn around. She has no one to listen to her. I know this because she once confessed that her husband made her kick all her friends to the curb. The only reason we’re able to hang out is because he’s under the impression she stays after class to tutor students. “Tell me about the ring.”
Her face lights up. “Eden was born in October.” She comes closer and points to the large center stone. “That’s opal. It’s her birthstone. Tradition says you’re not supposed to wear it if you aren’t born in October, but I wear it for her because it’s supposed to bring her luck. Some even say it wards off evil spirits.” She swallows and points to the circle of tiny stones around it resembling a halo. “And these are diamonds.”
“Is that your birthstone?”
“No.”
“Oh—”
“But diamonds don’t break.” Her gaze sharpens. “They’re strong and resilient. Just like I want her to be.” Her voice cracks. “Even though I’m not.” She sucks in a breath. “I will be one day, though.”
“I know.”
I believe it.
She kisses my forehead. “Thank you for being you, Damien.”
“Hey, Kristy,” I call out when she opens the door.
“Yeah?”
“For what it’s worth, you would have...will be...a good mom. I hope you and your daughter get to talk one day.”
She gives me the brightest, most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen. “Me too.”
It’s a smile I’ve never forgotten.