MasukGreg takes a breath, visibly trying to remain patient. “I was trying to protect you.” “There it is,” I mutter. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “You deciding what’s best for everybody.” Greg stares at me. “You think I wanted to do this?” “I think you crossed a line.” His expression darkens slig
JenI wake with a start, disoriented by the unfamiliar brightness pouring through the curtains. For a moment, I just blink up at the ceiling, my body heavy and sore, my mind foggy from restless sleep. My ribs are aching. My shoulder is throbbing from where the bruises still stain my skin. Every move
“But—” “I’m here.” I gently press her hand against my chest so she can physically feel my heartbeat beneath my shirt. “I’m alive.” Jen’s breathing hitches. “I’m safe,” I continue quietly. “And most importantly—you’re safe too.” Her eyes squeeze shut briefly as another tear slips free. I wipe it awa
I don’t remember falling asleep. One moment, I had been wiping down the kitchen counters after cleaning up the remains of the little welcome home party, and the next, I am lying beside Jen in the dark, exhaustion dragging me under harder than I had expected. The apartment is silent except for the di
Robin points dramatically toward the banner. “We decorated.” “And by decorated,” Wren corrects, “we mean fought with tape for forty minutes.” Jen’s hand flies up to cover her mouth as she laughed carefully to avoid hurting her jaw. I look at her quietly. The smile on her face is genuine. Not forced
The hospital discharge papers are sitting folded neatly in my hand as I walk slowly beside Jen through the corridor. Days. It has taken days before the doctors were finally satisfied enough to let her go home. Even now, I can see the exhaustion written all over her face. The bruising along her jaw
“I wouldn’t trust Andrea to care for Greg as far as I can throw her,” Tracy says with what I hear is a little bit of venom in her voice when she talks about Andrea. Safe to assume Tracy does not like the girl. I thank my lucky stars she liked me when I was dating her son those two times. “So, you’r
“Thank you, Tracy, you look as stunning as ever. What’s your secret you look like you haven’t aged since I last saw you,” I try to win her over with flattery preparing myself for this one on four battle. “Oh, Jennifer don’t think I know what you’re trying to do young lady. I was your age once I kno
JenWiping the tears from my face as I run out of the hospital, I don’t know what to do now or where to go. I feel a little relieved to finally get all my feelings out to Greg before I allowed myself to walk away. Well, run away should I say. I find myself back at the park I was at yesterday but thi
“Greg’s right,” Stuart says. “He’s a smart young man he can think of something that will be best for him and for everyone involved.” This is why I have huge respect for the father of the woman I love. The woman I love? I think I have an idea, but I don’t know how it will pan out or if she would eve







