“Sometimes parents forget what’s most important is right in front of them,” he continues. “And I bet sometimes you wonder if they even see you, so you throw a fit or make a mess.”
Bella’s body grows stiff on my legs.
“But they just get mad at you, and that feels even worse.” He’s still talking to Bella, and I wonder where he’s going with this and how to get him to shut up. She already feels bad.
“Can I tell you a secret?” Soren whispers.
Bella thinks for a long moment before nodding.
“Grown-ups are kind of stupid.”
“Sor—Derek,” I hiss.
“It’s true. Humans can speak several languages but still suck at communicating. Because we think we know best. But we don’t see how our choices can also hurt those we love.” At this, he looks up at me, and my heart thuds so hard against my ribcage it’s physically painful. “Even though it’s hard, and it might be painful, we need someone to love us enough to tell us to stop. Stop running away.”
I swallow the sudden lump in my throat.
“So…I should tell my parents they are mean,” Bella says.
Soren gives her a soft smile. “You should tell them how they hurt you. What it felt like, and what you hope they will do differentlyin the future.”
Bella seems to think about this. Then she pops up and looks at me. “Can I call them?”
“Uh…” My eyes widen, and the words get stuck in my lungs. Will she tell them what’s happening here? AboutDerek?
Does it matter?
“Of course, sweetie. I’ll find your phone. Maybe it will work now.” I raise an eyebrow at Soren.
“I’m sure it will.” He nods and stands from the bed.
Bella turns back to look at me. “I know you guys were missing me with the snowballs on purpose.”
I purse my lips, not sure what she wants to hear from me. Is she mad about that?
She surprises me with a hug. “Thank you for being my nanny.”
More tears. But this time, it’s from me.
Chapter 21
Soren
TheentiretimeBellahas been on speakerphone with her mom and dad, Maya has hovered around, careful to steer the conversation away from anything that could include me.
The conversation with Bella’s dad didn’t last long. Bella told him how hurt she felt, and he apologized, promising he’d be home soon. Her mom is different. She broke down in tears, promising she would change. For Bella’s sake, I hope she does.
I’m proud of Bella for facing the hard conversation. I have to do the same.
“Thank you for being with her,” Mrs. Hartwell tells Maya.
“Of course,” Maya says, her eyes flitting briefly to me.
“I was looking at the security cameras, but they don’t seem to be working. And the nanny cams are down. Is everything okay?”
I swallow.
“Uh,” Maya stutters. “There was a-a blizzard and some power outages.”
