Page 45 of All This Time

I know that I try to take the blame when he gets physical, but no matter how mad he gets, it doesn’t excuse his behavior.

“Next time I’m going to hit him back.”

She sits up. “What?”

“I’m about to be eighteen, Laney,” I say, which reminds me that in a few months, me being alone with her in her room has bigger implications if her parents or Rhonan finds out.

“So…”

“Well, then I can press charges against him if he hits me. It’s not child abuse then. It’s assault.”

“What if you move out instead?” she suggests as she lies back down.

“And where would I go?”

“Here,” she replies like the answer is so simple.

“Ha. Yeah, I don’t think your parents would want me here ifyouasked them. That would be suspicious.”

“Then we have Rhonan ask.”

“Rhonan can’t know about this,” I say quickly. “And neither can your parents.”

“Why?”

“You promised you wouldn’t say anything, Laney.”

“I won’t. I just… I want to help.”

I reach out and cup her face. “Youarehelping. You help me more than you’ll ever know.” A yawn escapes my mouth, so I take this as the perfect time to let this conversation die down.

I know Laney won’t let this go, but she has to. I really hope I didn’t fuck up by telling her the truth. My gut tells me that I didn’t, but when emotions get involved, people can do things they wouldn’t normally.

“Let’s get some sleep.”

“Fine. But this conversation isn’t over, Fletcher.”

Chuckling, I reply, “Oh, I’m aware.” Despite the pain that it causes me, I lean over and press a kiss to her forehead, even though I really want to go for her lips. “Thank you, angel…for everything.”

“You’re welcome, Fletcher.”

“Can I hold you?” I whisper as she stares at me, her eyes bouncing back and forth between mine rapidly.

“Okay.”

She turns, pressing her back against me, and I slide my arm around her waist. She places her hand over mine, and we fall asleep like that, holding each other.

And when I sneak out before the sun comes up, I try not to think too hard about how it might have been the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had.

Chapter 10

Laney

Present Day

Onions, Lemons, and Crumbling Walls

I light the lemon-scented candle…and immediately blow it out.