He looks down at my wrist and the evil that dances across his face will haunt me for the rest of my life. “As you wish.” He throws my wrist down, and with the force of his rage I go toppling backward and land on my ass. Standing over me, he peers down, looking proud of himself. “Keep this to yourself, understand? Because you don’t want to know what happens when you defy me. I know all about you complaining to your mommy about me smacking Colin around. She didn’t care, did she?” I shake my head, defeated. “And she won’t believe you either about this. You can go now.” He points to the stairs and I rush to my feet, running for the stairs.
Tears pour down my cheeks, my body trembling from the crash of adrenaline. My ass stings and I rub my achy wrist to ease some of the discomfort. Making it upstairs, I glance behind me, and sigh in relief, seeing that Victor isn’t following me. I walk towards Colin’s room and stop. He doesn’t want to see me right now, but I can only hope he’ll still allow me to come to his mother’s, even if I don’t deserve to. I can’t stay here alone. This is the first time Victor’s ever hurt me and I’m sure he’ll be more willing to do it again. He’ll need more, like a vampire getting their first taste of blood.
I never thought he would hurt me.
Making my way to my room, I grab my backpack, emptying it out on my bed. I grab some clothes, my hairbrush, a toothbrush, a book, and my journal. I’ll need something to do, and I want to be able to write my sorrows down when Colin and Ashley have to make pretend kissy faces at each other.
Maybe I should see if Tamara can have a sleepover instead.
Changing out of my pj’s, I put on a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. I search through my jewelry box and find my large silver bracelets to help cover my now reddened wrist. Telling Colin isn’t an option for me right now. He wants me to grow up…well, I’ll act grown up, and deal with this myself. Just like he does.
Once my bag is packed, I sit on my bed, and stare out my window, waiting for Ashley to pull up. I’m not going back downstairs till it's time.
Avoidance. The easiest way to stay out of trouble.
Thankfully, it’s not long before I see Ashley and Rick walk to the front door and hear Colin’s door close. I frown when there’s no knock on the door to tell me it’s time to go. Instead, I hear his footsteps go down the stairs. Picking up my bag, I head for the front door. I’m hoping he won’t be able to tell me no if my mother and Victor are there. Or will Victor say something about me not being allowed to go?
I make it to the foyer in time to see my mother hug Ashley. My eyes roll to the back of my head, wondering how my mother could be upset about me visiting Naomi when she’s all over Ashley like a bad rash. Victor stands in the corner with his arms crossed and I dart my eyes to avoid further contact. I let the carpet have all my attention and start counting the threads. I don’t want to look at anyone if I’m honest.
I just want to disappear.
“You coming squirt?” Rick’s voice pulls me from my dark thoughts, and he puts his arm around my back. Rick is always sweet to me all the times we've hung out, but I hate when he calls me squirt. He does it just to irritate me. He’s also one of the few people that know about Colin and me.
“Don’t call me that,” I mumble, swatting at him playfully.
“Then grow a couple inches and I won’t have to.” He laughs and pushes me towards the door.
When I get to the car I hop in the backseat behind the driver side and everyone slides in as well. Colin doesn’t say anything to me as he turns over the car. Ashley gives me a somber look and mouths if I’m okay. I give her a gentle smile and a nod, even though I'm not. I hate that I can’t control this crazy jealousy burning inside me. She’ll be the one hugging and sitting with my boyfriend in front of his mother instead of me while my heart suffers more damage.
With my mind now completely exhausted, I lean my head on the cool glass and close my eyes. I try not to cry and try not to think about my achy wrist. The radio is turned on to some rock station, and lyrics of Linkin Park are like a look into my soul. I tune out everything around me and fall asleep.
When I wake up, I notice we've stopped outside a house with blue siding and a white porch. Ashley and Rick are no longer in the car, but Colin is looking at me through the rearview mirror. I rub my eyes, trying to get them to focus.
“Good morning.” Colin turns to me, and he looks pale and worn out, as if he hasn’t slept in weeks. “It’s hard to believe you’re sleeping again.”
“Yeah,” I say softly and look back at my hands. The memories of earlier circle in my waking brain, telling me I'm not ready for this.
“We should get inside,” he says and pushes open the driver side door. The cool wind blows, catching me off guard and causes me to shiver.
“I know you don’t want me here. I can catch a cab or something and stay at a motel.” The last thing I want to do is ruin his birthday more with my presence. I don’t even want to be around myself. I just feel different. My moods have been in a permanent plummet.
I wish I knew what is going on with me and why I’m not dealing with any shit properly.
He doesn’t say anything as he gets out and slams the door closed. The loud bang causes me to jump and goosebumps to rise on my arms. My door swings open and Colin reaches in before he undoes my buckle. “Get out.”
His stern tone makes me obey and I hop out of the car, leaving my bag. Once my two feet are standing on the pavement, Colin grabs my face with his hands, and his blue eyes stare into my hazels.
“You were the one that said you didn't want to come. Not me. I don’t know what’s been going on with you lately, but can you try to snap out of it for this weekend?”
“Nothing's going on.” My eyes drift away from his as I lie.
“Abigail, that’s a crock of shit and you know it. This last week you’ve been snippy and hostile. I’ve let it go, figured it was PMS or some bullshit. Now, you can either tell me what’s going on or pretend to be happy with me this weekend and we’ll figure out us when we get back home.”
“You mean break up?” My voice croaks and my already fragile soul starts to break.
Don’t lose it, Abbs, don’t start crying now. Hold yourself together and stop overreacting.
Hell, who am I kidding it’s like some emotional monster has taken over my body and the tears spill down my face.
“I don’t want to break up. I do love you…I just…I don’t know what’s wrong, I’m sorry.” I sob, all this crying is making me lightheaded, and all I want to do is crumble to the ground.
Colin pulls me into his arms and brushes my hair with the palm of his hand. “Babe, I don’t want to break up with you. You’ve always been my little pain in the ass, but lately, it’s different. I just want to know what’s happening.”
I shrug, my head still buried into the side of his neck, wishing I knew why myself.
“I’m sorry,” I mutter once I calm down. Colin places light kisses on my head, making me feel better. My head pops back up and I wipe my tears with the back of my hand. “I don’t mean to be such a baby. Should we go inside?” I say through strangled breaths, wanting to move on. “I’m sure everyone is waiting for us. Your mother is probably wondering what you’re doing. You should be introducing Ashley, not hugging on me…”
I’m silenced by his mouth on mine. He kisses me vigorously and pushes my back flush with the car. His rigid cock presses into my center, igniting that fire I had when I woke up this morning. His hands move possessively over my body while his tongue flicks with mine. When he breaks away, I’m spent, breathing erratically. All the thoughts from earlier have disintegrated. His hand traces down my face and he gives me a small smile. “I love you, and that’s not going to change because you’re occasionally a pain in my ass, or when that PMS gremlin takes over your body. You’re my girl. Okay?”
I nod not being able to form any words.
“Now, what I was going to try and tell you this morning was, I want to introduce you to my mother, a
s my girlfriend. I want to tell her.”
“You do?” My jaw drops with a gasp, finding it hard to believe the words he’s telling me. Alarm bells go off in my head at the huge risk of confessing our “forbidden” relationship to a parental unit. “What if she tells your dad or my mom?”
Colin chuckles and shakes his head. “Even if she’s disappointed, she would never tell my dad. She hates him and would never do anything to tip his anger to me. Don’t worry about that. We’ll explain everything and make her understand our love is real.”
Well, be still my heart. The smile that crosses my face makes my cheeks ache and I hug him tight. “What about Ashley and Rick?”
He pulls me back to arm’s length, searching my eyes. “I dropped them off in Dover to visit someone. I only brought them over for a cover because I didn’t want to raise suspicions with Dad. I was hoping you would trust me enough to know I wouldn’t do what I did last time.”
Guilt and shame rise in my belly, hissing out the fire of my angry monster. “Sorry.”
“I know. Let’s get inside.”
He takes my hand and kisses my knuckles as we walk along the gravel path to the front door. Colin opens the door and walks into the house, calling out, “Mom?”
I look around the house, taking in the surroundings. The house is beach themed: pastel colors on the walls, wicker basket type furniture, boating fixtures, and seashell decorations.
“This place is beautiful,” I mutter, thinking this is something I would want one day.
“Oh, thank you, dear.” Naomi Knight grins as she enters the room. She’s a stunning woman. Her auburn hair shines from the sun coming in the windows. Her blue eyes match Colin’s, and she has an amazing figure, draped in a blue wrap dress. I can only hope I look that good when I’m her age.
Naomi hugs her son, telling him happy birthday, and then hugs me. When she steps back she looks over our shoulders at the door.
“I thought you were bringing your girlfriend, Colin?”
“Actually, that's something I wanted to talk to you about. You might want to sit down.”
“Sit down? Oh god, you didn’t get this girl pregnant, did you?” Naomi puts her hands to her mouth, wide-eyed over the prospect.
Colin chuckles at his mother’s fright, while I’m trying to find the exit. “No, Mom. At least not yet, and not for some time,” he says smoothly and leads his mother to sit.
Not yet?!? Damn straight, not yet.
Yet, why does the idea of having babies with this man suddenly make my stomach do flips of excitement?
“Are you proposing? Before I even have a chance to meet her?” Colin’s mom rambles.
“Mom, chill. No.” He sits down next to her and motions for me to come sit beside him. I shake my head, not wanting to sit, just in case I have to make a run for it or something. “Abbs, sit down.”
I gulp down the nervous bundle clogged in my throat and sit next to him. He grabs my shaky hand and places it over his heart. Naomi's eyes have now widened to the size of frisbees, figuring it all out. “Colin?”
“Mom, meet my girlfriend, Abigail.”
“But she’s—” She waves her finger at us, at a loss for words.
Not that I can blame her. What mother in a thousand years expects her son to come home and say, ‘Hey, Mom, guess what? I’m doing my step-sister.’ Well, maybe not that crass, but still, it’s a shock any way you say it.
“I know what you’re thinking, Mom, but I love her. I know she’s my step-sister, and she’s young, but I’ve had strong feelings for her for a while. I tried to stop them, but I couldn’t stay away.”
“She’s sixteen, a high school student,” she argues, making me bow my head in shame. She makes it sound so sinful.
“I’m aware, Mother.” Colin holds my hand tighter to him, I’m sure in a way to show me it’s okay. It might be, but my body is still shaking, and my heart is doing the rumba.
She looks at us and shakes her head. Disapproval is written all over her face. “This is...I…”
“Mom, please. I know it seems crazy, but I love her. Like I’m insanely in love with her. I don't expect you to be jumping for joy, but I’m happy. We're happy.”
She sighs heavily, running her hands down her face. She’s silent for a moment, and glances at us, thinking about what to say next. She brushes her hands on her dress and takes another steady, calming breath. “Colin, it’s not just that she’s your step-sister or that you might be in love I'm worried about. It’s you two are at a different stage of life right now.”
“Mom—” Naomi raises her finger, silencing him. His mouth snaps closed obediently, and she continues.
“You both haven’t explored anything life has given you yet. I’m sure you haven’t had any other relationships, Abigail, and I don't think my son has had many either. Also, think of the backlash: your father. I just don’t see how this could end well for either of you.”
“I have those same questions and thoughts too,” I say confidently. Weak ass Abigail is down for the count. Strong me is now making her appearance. Out of the corner of my eyes I see Colin frown, I’m sure confused about where I’m going after the way I’ve been acting.
“I know I’m young. Despite us being step-siblings, my age is a huge factor in our relationship. But I can’t let him go based on what if’s or worrying about the things I could be missing. Life is about trial and error and I want my trials to be with Colin. Who says I’m missing out on anything? I could be missing out on everything if I’m not with him. I want to take this path and explore this path. He’s who I want my future with. I still get doubts, concerns. It’s not easy considering the speed bumps we have yet to face if and when we tell people about us. I have days I think he does need someone his age.” I reach up and touch his face. He smiles at me, his eyes melting into mine with his adoration for me. And it’s like for the first time, I see all the outpouring love he has for me. Suddenly, I’m in a romance novel, my heart is skipping a beat, and I’m floating on a cloud.
Why is it that I’m just seeing it now?
“But I hope being with me keeps him young. I think we complement each other.”
Colin chuckles, kissing me lightly on the lips. “Where was this girl earlier?” he whispers.
“No clue but hold on to her for me,”.
“Will do.”
Naomi clears her throat and both of our heads snap to look at her. She’s shaking her head, but I make out the faint smile playing on her lips.
“I’m not thrilled about this. I don’t know many parents that would be. But I won’t tell you what you can and cannot do with someone you love. Just promise me you’ll protect yourselves because there’s going to be many outside people that won’t support you.”
“Like Dad?” Colin says bluntly, rolling his eyes.
“Yes, him,” she answers and looks over at me, “but at least now I know why you wanted to move in with him instead of coming to Paris. Now, come I’ll show you to your room, Abigail.” She stands and waves us both up.
How I wish my mother would be this accepting, even if she doesn’t fully approve. Isn’t that what parents are supposed to do? Though what would my daddy say? Maybe I should call him.
“Mom, I was thinking—” Colin starts as we both stand, but his words are halted by his mother’s finger, and his mouth snaps closed—again. I wonder if that move would work as well for me.
“Stop right there. I might be supporting this, but you’re still my son, and you’re not shacking up with your girlfriend under my roof,” she says pointedly, and I giggle.
“But Dad lets us,” he says with all seriousness and my jaw drops in disbelief.
“Colin!” I swat him in the chest. “Don’t be rude.”
“Oh, I like her.” She puts her arm around me and guides me towards the other side of the house. “We’ll keep her.”
“I was just joking,” Colin calls out, following us down the hallway.
“I don’t believe that for a second son,
but nice try…”
Naomi is a hoot. She’s been keeping me laughing all day with her tales of the crazy French designers and hungry models. Colin is standing at the grill making lunch and I take a second to admire him. He catches my eye and blows me a kiss. I blow him one back and pick up a carrot from my plate.
“You truly love him, don’t you?” The carrot hangs from my mouth mid-bite, surprised by her question. Dropping it to my plate, I nod.
“I do.” So fucking much. “He’s always made me feel special and wanted. We have our moments where we annoy each other or bite each other’s heads off, but I think it’s what makes us, us. I wouldn’t change it for anything,” I admit, feeling brave in my honesty.
“You’ll always annoy each other. It’s all part of growing together.” She reaches over and squeezes my hand. “And I know he can seem a bit distant and find it hard to trust, which can add to the annoyance, but he has a good heart. As you know he’s just been through a lot. His father never loved him as much as he should and I've made my mistakes when it came to Victor’s abuse. He never touched me, and Colin never told me because Victor put the fear of God in him thinking I wouldn't ever believe him. But as a mother, I should’ve seen the signs when he would close up and hide after an incident. When I finally saw the bruises, I left him.”
My mind drifts to those times I thought he was just embarrassed or scared, when in fact he'd been trained not to talk. He must have felt so lonely thinking he couldn’t trust anyone with what was happening to him. My eyes dart to my wrist and know that I’m doing the same thing by not speaking up because I fear what Victor could do to me—to Colin. Though, unlike Naomi, I know my mom won’t believe me, so why make matters worse?
“Should you be telling me all this?” I question, feeling guilty that my boyfriend’s mom is spilling all the deets on him. He’s told me some of this stuff, but not like this.
“Colin asked me if I could share a bit about him and his dad. Things he’s wasn’t sure he could put into words, but you might be able to understand better coming from me.”
So Wrong So Right Page 13
