“Prue, what did you do?” he says when I answer. “Why did you go back there?”
“I had to do it, Cam. For Ben.”
“Ben doesn’t want you there. He much rather be in prison than have you back with Charles.”
“It’s fine, Cameron. I will be fine.”
“Prue. Please? Don’t do this to yourself.”
“I didn’t have a choice. It was either him or me, and it’s better that it’s me.”
“He is going insane. You have to know he isn’t okay with this.”
“I know, but he will get over it.”
“What about me? What happens when they tell you that you can’t see me anymore?” His voice breaks a little, and it makes my heart crack. “I won’t get over it.”
“That’s not going to happen. I won’t let it.”
“But you’ll let him hurt you?”
“He won’t hurt me if I behave.”
“You sound just like Mom, you know? I don’t want that for you, Prue.”
“It’s how things have to be. Life isn’t fair, we both know that. Out of the two of us, I’m more than willing to be the one dealt the bad hand. Just promise you’ll keep focusing on your music and not worry about me. I can handle myself.”
“Yeah, but you shouldn’t have to.”
“I love you, Cam. I’ll be fine. Please tell Ben that too.”
He laughs. “If you think Ben is going to believe that any more than me, you have no idea how crazy that man is for you.”
“Please try to convince him to leave me alone?”
“I’ll do my best. Love ya, sis.”
“Love you too. Talk again soon.”
When I hang up, I lie back on my childhood bed, staring at the ceiling. I’m perfectly okay being the sacrificial lamb forCameron and Ben. I can survive whatever hell is in store for me, so long as both of them are out there living their lives.
Everything will be okay. Charles will inflict some hell on me, but if I take it well and behave from here on out, there shouldn’t be any more problems.
I can survive this.
God. IhopeI can survive this.
THIRTY-TWO
She blocked my number,moved out of Cameron’s and told him to tell me to leave her alone. She also happens to be under her father’s roof, while back together with Charles. These thoughts swirl around my head for the rest of the day as I pace my condo, trying to figure out my next move.
I debate going to her parents’, but I doubt that will go over well. I’d probably end up arrested, and she’d end up beaten. So, I can’t very well do that.
I have to think. Have to be smarter. Plot better, but I refuse to let her stay there. I will do whatever it takes to get her out of this.
The next morning, I tuck myself into a chair in the corner of the coffee shop by her college the minute it opens. Sitting, I hope she stops in here before class.
It takes two hours, but she finally walks in. Two girls stand on either side of her. Some blonde in Uggs and a short brunette in pink sweatpants.
