“It means butterfly in French or something like that. He thinks I’m pretty like a butterfly.” I smile.
“He’s not wrong. But you are way more beautiful than a butterfly.” Mum tucks loose strands of hair behind my ear. “I’msorry for what your father did. He was out of line and it won’t happen again.”
“I think I understand why Kyla ran off with Lorenzo now,” I say.
“Don’t even think about it, kiddo. At least invite me. We can leave your father at home, but I refuse to miss another daughter’s wedding.”
“I’m not going to. I’m just saying I get it. Dad is a little too overprotective.”
“He loves you and wants the best for you.”
“So he wants me to date a kid who’s gay?”
“Well, he doesn’t know that. But he would prefer you didn’t date at all.”
“Ares is really kind to me.”
“I know. And if you’re giving him the time of day, then I know he’s worth it. I trust your judgement. Besides, he has great parents. They’ve raised that kid right.”
“I wish Dad could see that.”
“He will. Just give him time. But don’t let him off too easy for tonight. Make sure he knows how he’s hurt you, Zara. You don’t need to hide your feelings from us.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her that’s exactly what I’ve been doing for years.
“I know,” I reply instead, taking the easy way out.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
It’s been two weeks of Zara coming to these appointments with Dr Finn. After the first two sessions, she started going in without me. I wait for her in the lobby. I hate not knowing what they’re discussing, if she’s okay in there without me. Zarainsists she is and that she likes Dr Finn. I also see her scribbling in that journal the doc gave her.
I’ve only found her crying in the library twice since she started. Overall, her mood seems to be better. There are even times when I look at her and I can see a new light in her eyes. It’s not as often as I’d like to see it, but I’m hopeful these sessions with the doctor are helping to dim the darkness that she’s constantly fighting.
I wish I could syphon her pain, take it on myself so she doesn’t have to feel it. If I could, I would. I want her to be happy, truly happy.
It’s Zara’s eighteenth birthday this weekend. Her parents have arranged a huge-ass party. I know she doesn’t want it but is going along with it to please them. Thankfully, my family is on the invite list. I would have crashed it if I wasn’t. No way am I going to miss her birthday.
I’ve also planned a trip, a weekend away. Just the two of us. She doesn’t know about that yet, and I’m debating if it’s better to leave it a surprise or tell her so she has time to think it over and decide if it’s a stupid idea.
Fuck, I’m going to have to tell her.
The door opens and my head snaps up. My eyes scan every inch of Zara’s face, looking for any sign of distress. She smiles and then thanks the doctor before making her way over to me.
I stand and meet her halfway. “How was it?” It’s the same question I ask after every session.
“Good.” And that’s the same response she gives me after every session.
“Are you okay?”
“Mhmm.” Zara nods her head.
Taking hold of her hand, I lead her out of the building and open the passenger side door of my car for her. I’ve been picking her up and driving her to school every day since that night shecalled me upset at her father. I’m sure she’s getting me to pick her up to prove a point to him, or to piss him off. Whatever her reason for it is, I’m not about to saynoto her.
I pull out of the carpark and look over at Zara. “Are you excited for your birthday?”
“I’m excited to finally be eighteen, not so much for the party. But you will be there so it’s not all bad.” She smiles.
“I’ll be there. I have plans,” I tell her. “For this weekend, after your party. Just the two of us.”
