Page 112 of The Destruction You Desire

Luca nods, his eyes glazing over probably as he wonders what's happening to his father right this second.

"Anyway…" I say in the hope of lifting everyone's spirits a little. "How have things been today, you seem brighter?"

"Yeah. I'm… I'm feeling better."

I smile at her, feeling just a little bit of the tension that was pulling at my muscles loosen a bit.

24

Luca

Holding Peyton against me as we started to open up to Libby about what had happened helped to keep the beast inside me at bay.

I was desperate to find out where Lee, Bry, and Kane were and to discover what kind of punishment they thought was appropriate for our cunt of a father, but I knew that I was exactly where I needed to be. I had to let them deal with that while I was with Peyton.

She needs me more.

When she starts yawning with her head resting against my chest, I decide that it's time to head back and put this bullshit day behind us.

"Come on, baby. I'm taking you home to bed."

Libby groans, rolling her eyes at my announcement.

"Okay," Peyton whispers, looking up at me with heavy eyes. "Take me home, Luc."

Her words are like a baseball bat to the chest.

Home.

The only place I've ever truly felt at home has been whenever she's been by my side.

"I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"No," Libby states, making Peyton still.

"W-what?"

"Pey, you've given up your life for me the past two weeks. And while I appreciate every single second of you sitting by my side, even when I wasn't aware of it, I need you to have a break. Spend the weekend fucking Luca's brains out. Get out of town. Anything. Just… take a breather, yeah. I'll still be here on Monday, I promise."

Peyton's lips part to respond but no words come out. I know she's torn. I can feel her need to tell her sister that she's wrong, that she needs to be here but after a silent few seconds, she finally agrees.

"Okay, but if you need me, you call me. Yes?"

"Yes,Mom," Libby sasses before she realizes what she's said and her eyes fill with tears. "Shit."

Releasing me, Peyton rushes over and pulls her sister in for a hug.

I stand by the door, giving them some space, as they cry together for not only their mother but I'm sure all the time they've lost together over the past few years.

Peyton was right earlier, Libby does seem brighter today, and I only hope she's turning a corner and going to be able to come out stronger on the other side.

I've lined up the best place I could find close by for her recovery so that she could still see her family if she wishes to, and I just hope it's enough because they've already suffered too much loss.

Eventually, they part and after another goodbye, Peyton tucks herself into my side and we leave Libby to get some rest.

"You okay?" I ask when she sniffles and wipes the tears from her cheeks.

"Yeah, I'm good. It's just hard watching her try to deal with everything, you know?"