I sit up, causing water to slosh over the sides.There's fear there, something more than a class.I'll bet my rank on it."Talk to me, Lila.What's going on?And don't give me this bullshit about the name.I know there's something else."
Silence.
It eats at my brain even as weariness slams into my very soul.There's something wrong.Something she's not telling me.Could it really be that bad?
A soft groan nearly slips from my lips as I roll my shoulders and sink back down.The water is far too warm.The slope of the tub is far too ergonomic and relaxing.All I want to do is sleep, to forget the hellacious day and have some peace.
Unfortunately, one thing stands between me and that dream—Lila.Glancing back down at the phone, I make sure the call didn't somehow hang up, but no.It's still on.Still going.And it's nearly one in the fucking morning.
God.And I have to be back at it in about five hours.
This time, the groan actually manages to slip through."Lila.I don't have time for your games.Just tell me what you need so I can help you."
A soft sniffle is all I hear before she breaks down into wracking sobs.Concern overrides exhaustion as I sit back up, drenching the pristine tile floor.
"Lila," I nearly shout as I press the phone close to my ear, desperate to hear something, anything.There has to be at least one clue as to what's going on right now."Do I need to call the base police?"
Even now, my finger hovers over the button to end the call and instantly switch to someone who could do a wellness check.Fuck.I shake my head as the absurd thought enters then leaves just as quickly.What could the security forces do here in Ramstein?She's all the way in Colorado, and I'm stuck here with my dick in my hands.
"Do I need to call your dad?"I amend as my heart hammers in my chest.
"No!"she cries out even louder."Anyone but him.Please, Nate.Don't you dare call him.I don't need him.I… I need you."
Those last three words sink into my chest and settle there, warm and heavy.Irritation slithers up my spine as I slump back down into the tub, trying to ignore the way my body responds to hearing her say she needs me, trying to ignore the way my cock thickens at the breathy desperation in her voice.
Not happening.It’s because I’m tired and haven’t seen to my needs at a clinic.Nothing more.It’s not because it’s her.It’s because I’ve been neglecting myself.Taking a deep breath, I put my brain back where it belongs.
"Give a guy a heart attack, will you?What's wrong with you?I've never heard you so worked up before.Is he…" My throat threatens to close as my brain runs through all the ramifications of her words until only one stands out in my brain."Is he hurting you?Is he hurting Mom?"
"What?No," she hiccups as her breath seems to slow down a touch."Nothing like that.Well… not physically anyway."
"Lily," I growl, purposefully using the nickname she hates."I don't have all day.What the fuck is happening over there?"
"He's going to make me quit school.I just know it.He won't understand.He won't listen.I don't know what else to do.I don't know where else to turn.I?—"
"Lila.Slow down.For God's sake, breathe.Okay.Do it with me.In."
I take in a deep breath as I force my bunched muscles to loosen.Over the phone, I hear her do the same, only it's shakier than mine.Whatever is happening, she's completely unable to regulate.Until I get her calm, it'll be hell getting any information out of her.
"Good," I breathe."Now out slowly."The air comes out of her in a whoosh, bringing a faint smile to my lips."That's not slow, Little Lily."
"I said," she growls out, "don't fucking call me that."
"I'll stop when you can calmly tell me what's going on."
"I'm failing Chemistry.Okay?I can't seem to learn any of this.I don't get any of it.It's not what I'm going to school for.It's just a stupid elective."
"And this involves your dad how?"A slight ache blossoms in my forehead as I sink back into the water and close my eyes.
"If I don't get good grades, he's pulling me from school."
Confusion muddles my already tired brain as a frown pulls down my lips."He can't do that.Not legally anyway."
She scoffs."No," her voice drags out as if I'm dumb."But when he's paying for you to go there and live in the dorms, he kinda has the means to make it so I can't stay."
"I'm not an idiot, Lila.I understand all that.But you can't just get student loans?"
"Argh.Can't you just help me not fail my final so I can stay?I don't want to be at home.I don't want to go to a community college when this one sets me up for my dreams.Look.You managed to get away.Hell, you're all the way over in… In…"
