“It’s okay,” he soothes, caressing my back. “I’m here for you, pumpkin. No matter what happens, you know that I love you, right? You’re the only child I ever had and ever will.”
I nod in his chest, gripping his shirt tighter.
“What’s going on?”
At Aunt’s voice, I break away from Uncle wiping my eyes, but I keep my back to her.
Damn it.
I don’t want Aunt to see me this way either.
“Elsa was just having a bit of exam stress, right, pumpkin?”
I nod, not turning around.
“Go on and change.” Uncle smiles down at me. “Your friend will be waiting.”
I run to my room.
“Elsa,” Aunt calls, her footsteps sounding behind me. “What’s going on?”
“Let her go, Blair.”
I’m glad Uncle stops her as I go into my room. I barge into the bathroom and wash the itch beneath my hands. That stupid itch that wants to break free.
After freshening up, I change into simple skinny jeans and a tank top.
It’s going to be okay.
I think.
My phone vibrates.
My heart flips at the thought that it’s Aiden. I need him so much right now. I wish he’d just text me something.
Anything.
If he tells me it’s okay to have a life and my own decisions, I’ll cancel with Knox.
I’ll go to him instead.
Knox isn’t the one I want to see right now. It’s strange that when I’m a mess and need comfort, Aiden is the first one who comes to mind.
The text is from Knox, telling me he’ll be here in a few minutes.
Disappointment tugs at my stomach.
Of course, Aiden wouldn’t forfeit. It’s always his way or the highway.
Screw him.
I turn off my phone.
After pulling my hair into a ponytail, I exit my room. I’m about to go downstairs when I hear hushed yells coming from Aunt and Uncle’s bedroom.
The door is closed, but I do something I never did before.
I tiptoe closer. No sound comes out. Was I always able to move this silently?