Not My Hero

Colton comes to stand in front of me and tilts his head until he catches my eyes. “There’s no time limit to how long you’re allowed to bathe.”

I nod and swallow hard in an attempt to keep the tears back.

He presses a kiss to my forehead, and I close my eyes to soak in the warm feeling.

When Colton steps out of the bathroom, shutting the door behind him, I take a moment to just breathe through the panic, still whirling in my chest.

Once I feel calmer, I strip out of my school uniform and step into the balmy water. I lie back, and my eyes drift closed.

I feel guilty over how I reacted when Mrs. Lawson tried to hug me, but I couldn’t help it. I know she’s the opposite of my mother, and I’ll have to try harder to stay calm around her.

My thoughts turn to Colton, and the corners of my mouth lift slightly. He’s shown me more kindness over the past three days than I’ve experienced in my entire life.

It’s like he’s my own guardian angel.

All my dreams have always been focused years from now because that’s how long I thought it would take to get away from my mother.

But they’re coming true much sooner.

With the smile widening on my face, I gather some bubbles and blow them into the air.

Then new dreams begin to grow deep in my heart.

Hopefully, the awkwardness between Mrs. Lawson and me will fade. Maybe she can teach me how to cook and bake. She can show me all the things my mother never did.

And maybe… maybe Colton can be my first kiss.

I grin like an idiot while a blush reddens my face. I splash water onto my heated skin.

I quickly wash, but I’m careful when I massage shampoo into my hair. At least the scabs don’t burn anymore. When I’m done, I let the water out, and drying myself, I glance around for clean clothes, but then I remember I didn’t bring any.

Shoot.

I dry my hair thoroughly, then comb through it with my fingers. Wrapping a towel tightly around my body, I grip it with one hand so it won’t accidentally come loose.

Opening the door, I peek into the hallway, and not seeing anyone, I tip-toe out. I’m almost to my room when Colton comes out of his.

The moment his eyes land on me, we both freeze.

“Ahh…” I dart toward my room. “Sorry, I forgot to bring clothes to the bathroom.” I dash inside and slam the door shut, then lean back against it while my heart bounces around in my chest.COLTONGrinning, I watch Brie run into her room.

That’s the last thing I expected to see, but damn, the guy in me won’t deny it was one hell of a hot sight.

Up until a second ago, I was worried because of the panic attack Brie had in the kitchen, and now I’m practically wiping drool from my mouth.

Never a dull moment, that’s for sure.

I shoot back into my room, and grabbing clean clothes, I go shower quickly. When I’m clean and dressed in my usual sweatpants and t-shirt, I notice Brie’s door is open, and she’s not in her room.

I hear Mom chuckle from her own room and head in that direction. Standing in the doorway, I watch as Mom squirts something into Brie’s palm.

“Just rub it all over your face and neck,” Mom says.

I lean a shoulder against the doorjamb and ask, “Brie, you want to watch a movie once you’re done?”

She glances over her shoulder. “Sure.”

Even though I’m worried about Brie, I know hovering around her won’t help her heal. Reluctantly, I leave the women to do their thing. I know the time they spend together is good for both of them.

I go to the living room and sitting down on a couch, I switch on the TV and begin to scroll through the movie selection.

I have no idea what Brie likes to watch, but luckily I don’t have to wait long for her. She’s aiming for the other couch, but I catch her hand and pull her down next to me.

Mom goes to get a glass of water, then says, “Enjoy the movie. I’m heading to bed. Don’t stay up too late.”

“Night,” I call out.

“Goodnight, Mrs. Lawson,” Brie says, and then she looks at me. “What are we watching?”

“I have no idea,” I admit. “What kind of movies do you like?”

I scroll through a couple, and when Brie doesn’t answer me, I glance at her. She’s drawn her bottom lip between her teeth again, then admits, “I don’t know what I like.”

Oh, right. She wasn’t allowed to watch TV, and the way she reacted when Mom said she should take a long bath tells me that was an issue with Brie’s mom as well. It must’ve been hell growing up with that woman for a mother.