“Sure.”
“How did Harrison file a restraining order against Ashley? Wouldn’t her legal name come up in court?”
“She legally changed her name seven years ago.”
What?This is all too much for me right now. “Do you have any other questions? My head is hurting, and I think I’ve had enough. I can’t take anymore.”
The detectives look at each other and then back to us. “No. We’ll be in touch if we need anything else.”
“Wait,” I call out. “What happens to Amber?”
“She’ll be transferred to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital, where she will be under watch.”
I nod, anticipating that response. While I’m infuriated by her actions today, I also recognize that when she’s off her medication, her cognitive abilities are compromised.
When the detectives leave, my eyes stay locked on the door. “So yourcrazyex-girlfriend is my mentally unstable cousin?” I whisper.
There is no going back, I think, the second the words are out of my mouth. I will never be able to face his family after this. All I’ve brought into this family is hurt and pain. Most importantly, Sebastian, his brother and best friend, will never get over this. I heard it in his voice, this was my last chance with him.
I’ve said it once, and I will say it again. I will not come between them.
“Why won’t you look at me, Juliette? You’re scaring me.”
I scrunch up my face and let a few tears that have been pooling in my eyes escape.
“I’m so, so sorry, Harrison.”
“Baby,” he croons, carefully touching my face. “This has nothing to do with you. She broke her restraining order and came after Claud because of me.”
“Not because of you,” I snap. “Because she was jealous of you and me together. I remember hearing her talk to my aunt, andshe was bitter I was dating you. She’s been like this my whole life.”
“She would have been bitter if I got serious with anyone, Jules. Don’t you see that?”
“Okay, and would that other person have a fucked-up leg and fall to the ground when they try to get to Claud?” I don’t let him answer. “I think not. How will you ever trust me with Claud again? How?” I howl.
“You were trying to save her. You falling was an accident. It was not your fault.” Tears fall from his eyes because his words are a lie.
He knows I’m right.
How will I ever feel confident to take care of Claud again?
She’ll never be safe with me.
Emptiness spreads through my body as the thought of them not in my life takes over my mind. Harrison’s standing within reach, yet I still feel like I’m miles away from reality. Somewhere locked between a nightmare and hell.
“When I get discharged, I’m going to go home to Mom’s,” I state, void of feelings. If I show one ounce of any emotion, he’ll pounce on it and won’t let me go.
This is what is best. Time away from me…time for him to repair his bond between his brothers.
26
Juliette
Puttinga smile on your face and pretending you’re okay can only last so long. Eventually, the numbness wears off, and your world begins to crumble.
It’s been two weeks since the hospital, two weeks since I last saw my love, and one week since I started therapy.
Something had to change. The uncontrollable sobs and sleepless nights were getting to be too much.
