Pushing it shut physically hurts my soul, but I do and step away, almost thankful so I can get my wits about me. Every emotion running through me right now is new, and I need to take things slow for my sake and hers.
She waves as she drives away, leaving me standing helplessly in my driveway with the biggest fucking hard-on of my life.
21
Sarah
When we pull into Adam’s driveway, Cailin yells out, “Uncle Max is here!”
Uncle Max?
I park as she jumps out and runs to the door. I hop out and make my way up the stairs. When I hear yelling, I hurry my footing.
Cailin is frozen in the doorway as whom I’m assuming is Max stands with his back to us in the kitchen, obviously not okay. His shirt is half-tucked in and wet with sweat marks. If I’m correct, I see blood covering his knuckles. The way his body is hunched over and swaying as he reaches for something on the table makes me rush to her.
I don’t know what’s going on, but I know for a fact that this is not a scene Cailin should be around.
“She was my sister.” Max picks up a glass and throws it across the room before stumbling to the ground.
Adam storms out of the kitchen, picking Cailin up and escorting us both outside.
“What’s going on?” I ask as I try to cover her eyes from seeing anything else.
“He’s whacked out of his mind. I’ve been trying to calm him down, but you guys shouldn’t be here.”
Adam places her back in my car as tears fall down her face. “It’s all right, baby. Everything’s going to be fine. Just go with Sarah back to her place, and I’ll be there soon, okay?”
She mumbles an okay as her lower lip trembles. He kisses her forehead and closes the door before turning his attention back to me.
“I’m so sorry. I haven’t seen him get this bad.”
“Is that Max from your band?” I ask, jumping when I hear another thing break inside.
Is this something Cailin has seen before? Is this a normal part of his life?
“Yes. I’ll handle everything. Please, just get Cailin out of here.” His stern face makes my body quake.
I nod, wanting to know more but wanting even more to get her out of here. There are certain adult situations kids should never witness, and that is definitely one of them.
He’s quick to head back toward his house, so I get in the car, starting it before she has to witness anything else.
“Why was he acting like that?” Cailin asks through her tears.
“Oh, sweetheart,” I say, turning to touch her knee. “I’m not sure, but I know your daddy can handle it, so try not to think about it, okay?”
She nods as she wipes the wetness from her eyes.
“Do you want to get a treat before we go back to my place?”
She nods her head again but keeps it tucked down low to her chest, not saying anything.
“Do you want ice cream or frozen yogurt?”
Her head tilts up, eyes red from crying. “If I get frozen yogurt, can I get toppings, too?” she asks so sweetly that it pulls on my heartstrings even more.
“Yes, sweetie. You can get toppings.”
* * *
