“Then why are you asking?”
“Because a lot can happen to someone in a short amount of time.”
“Nothing is going to happen to me. So stop worrying about me.”
“Can’t do that. You are my favourite friend after Hope and Sebastian.”
For some strange reason I feel bitter that I’m at third place. “So, I’m the last on your list.”
Marie’s grin wipes away. “You look offended.”
I narrow my eyes. “I’m not offended. In fact, I don’t fucking care.”
“I’m not fully convinced.”
Sebastian decides to pipe in. “Neither am I. From the looks of it, you look really mad at being at the bottom.”
I send him a glare. “Wouldn’t you like that?”
He grins. “Of course, I don. I’m the second on the list.Above you.”
Marie comes over and stands in front of me. “You are one of my best friends and I love you a lot. You were definitely on second spot, very close to Sebastian.”
“Oh, how much I miss those days.” I reply dryly.
“I miss those days too. You were always there for me and you helped me so much. I wouldn’t have gotten better if you hadn’t supported me. Thank you?—”
“Don’t start again,” I grumble.
“You’re important to me.” She tells me. “But now I have Hope, who’s my girl best friend. Something that I always wanted. She’s so nice to me and doesn’t judge me. She loves spending time with me and doesn’t mind that I talk a lot. She has never asked me to shut up. She listens to everything I say and it makes me so happy.”
Tears fill her eyes. “So yeah, she’s claimed the top spot now despite the fact that she hid something really big from me.”
Sebastian gets up and hugs her tightly. He rests his chin on her head and squeezes her in his arms. “Shush baby, don’t cry.”
She cries anyway, and Sebastian is turning her around and tucking her in his chest.
I grab a can of coke and walk into the kitchen to give them privacy. Their hushed whispers float in the air making me think about something that is always lingering at the back of my mind.
Alex motherfucking Hanson.
It’s been nearly a week, and he hasn’t hurt her—at least that’s what Hope has told me and I can only wish that she isn’t lying to me—but my guard is up. I know he’s going to hurt her—I don’t want that. It’s only a matter of time.
I feel as helpless as I did before.
There’s nothing I can’t do other than hit him—which isn’t enough.
The fact he hurts his own daughter stirs my stomach whenever the thought crosses my head. It is fucking sick.
I wish I could just take Hope out of her house and keep her safe at my place. I’d deal with my parents, who’d be nosy, but I wouldn’t let them interfere.
All I want is to protect that girl.My girl.
“I’m making dinner, are you staying?” Marie strolls into the kitchen with a vibrant smile. Her eyes are a bit red but she looks okay.
My phone pings and I quickly check in case it’s Hope’s message.
Mom:Tonight I’m making dinner, so please come home early.
