Page 107 of Isolation

But that doesn’t mean I seek retribution. I don't.

“Mia,” I speak steadily. “I think there has been a terrible misunderstanding.”

Mia shakes her head. “No, there hasn't. Milo should go to jail. If he serves time for his actions, he'll come out as a better man on the other side. I believe in Milo. He will accept his punishment so he can become a better man. That’s the only way he can redeem—”

Mia's voice is cut off by the sound of a text alert from my phone. On instinct, I look down at my phone. Mia steps closer to me.

“Rave,” she whispers. “I love you. If you come forward, no one will hold this against you. But this is your story and your decision. I just want you to know that I am here for you to support you. And I know that my brother will step up and right the wrong he did. It’s the only way he can become the person he was meant to be.”

I should be proud of Mia. I should hug her and thank her for being there for me. For willing to unblur the lines for my sake.

I should be overjoyed to have someone in my corner. Yet, I hate everything she is saying.

I am covered with sheer panic over her knowledge. I am scared of what this might mean for her relationship with Milo. Or how it might put him in danger.

And I am embarrassed for myself. My little sister is teaching me how to come forward with a #MeToomoment. It's supposed to bemyjob to teach her.

I am covered with shame that a seventeen-year-old has to point out that it's inappropriate tohang outwith my sexual aggressor.

Looking down at the text message again, I almost laugh at the irony and timing of the message, even though none of this is funny.

Something other than “feeling under the weather”hits me. Opening the door, I walk downstairs, tuning out Mia's sobs and her pleas to stay.

I grab my keys and jacket. I hesitate, then grab another key from the tray, one that I forgot about.

Flinging the front door wide open I leave behind my personal hellhole.

CHAPTER 13

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Raven

For years, the Sinclair family has been a conundrum to me. They are a large family, yet all of them are so damn lonely. Their lives seem perfect from the outside, yet it’s all a facade.

I pined to be part of this family, but the hope to be one of them burnt to flame a long time ago. I came back after all these years only to find out that nothing has changed here, and...

I lost Reid again.

I knew this would happen. The moment he caught me walking out of Milo’s room, I knew this was the only way it would end, with Reid excusing himself from my life.

But it is still bone-chilling once I did receive the actual confirmation of that fact.

I have been calling Reid for weeks. I’ve sent him texts and emails. I’ve left voicemails. He finally texted me back. It was cosmic. He laid the truth on me right as Mia did the same.

Reid: If I keep being your friend, then I’ll never be happy. If you care about me even a little, then please stop explaining. Please stop calling. I don’t want to hear it. Just let me go.

One text summed up a lifelong friendship. Our entire relationship. It sealed the deal.

During our worst fight to date, Reid called me toxic. He was right. Milo used to be a stellar human being. He got too close to me and it ended in disaster.

I would never want that for Reid.

Reid is pure. He is good. He is a light in my life that burns bright.

Maybe he made the right decision. I belong in the dark and behind the shadows, with someone just as broken.

Reid doesn’t need me to infect his life with my darkness. Nonetheless, it doesn’t decrease the pain.