“Apparently.”
“But your mother couldn’t heal herself?”
“She probably could have, but it would have gone against her beliefs. If the circle of life had chosen her time, she wouldn’t have gone against it.”
“And your aunt told you that your powers weren’t strong,” I say thoughtfully. “I suppose she would have been able to tell, right?”
“She would have made absolutely sure,” Trina says with finality. “It was her only purpose for me, and it became the reason why she abused me.”
Trina goes very quiet, and even though she’s still tucked against my chest, I can feel her emotionally withdraw.
“Trina,” I say gently. “Maybe you should talk about it.”
“Talk about what?”
“Your aunt. The things that happened to you.”
I feel her body tense up, all her muscles hardening at once as she pulls away from me to sit at the other end of the bed.
“I know that it happened now,” she says after a moment. “I’m consciously aware. What else would you like me to do?”
“You keep avoiding the issue,” I say. “Try talking to me about it. It might help.”
“Help who?”
“You. And us. And everyone else.”
She shakes her head. “Owen—”
“Try,” I say, reaching out for her hands. “Just trust me. Face your past.”
I watch Trina’s face slowly change from soft, tired frustration to fear, then full-on hostility. I realize at that moment that with my flippant manner and bright tone, I’ve trampled all over her pain instead of helping her face it in a healthy way.
“Trina—” I say, desperate to undo the damage I’ve just done.
“Get out!” she cries, pointing at the door. “Just get out!”
“I didn’t mean—”
“I know what you meant. This ismypain, do you hear me? You have no right to ask about it. I was trapped, I was her prisoner—is that what you want to hear? I don’t mean in a theoretical, emotional abuse type of way, either. And trust me, you are the last person on earth I can talk to about this.”
“Trina,” the word rises on my lips, more a breath than a whisper. “I’m so, so sorry. Let me—”
“Get out!” she screams, pointing at the door. “I mean it, Owen, get the fuck out!”
I stand up and practically stagger towards the door. I feel like the strength has gone out of my body, and I can barely hold myself up.
It’s not the curse, either. It’s just me realizing what a complete fucking dick I’ve been.
I thought I had recognized and dealt with the guilt of kidnapping Trina. I’d acted out of impulse, and I hadn’t been in my right mind. All of that was the truth, and should have been enough to punish me.
But now I find out her aunt literally kept her prisoner. What the fuck did she do to Trina? She was just a child! Did the crazy old bitch kill her mother?
I put my hands over my face, really struggling now as I head towards my own room. I fully and completely understand my own actions, the horrible impact they’ve had on Trina, and her past trauma.
I will spend the rest of my life making this up to you, Trina. I promise you that.
Chapter 16 - Trina
