It's a victory. A bittersweet victory.
This time, I swallow mypride in the same way I did for my father.
“And I hope one day, you forgive yourself for staying with Dad all these years.” Then softer, “And not because you had me.”
Her eyes glass over, but her gaze doesn’t waver.
We stare at each other for a while, letting the silence further divide us.
I don’t look back. Just leave, following my heart to where it yearns to go.
Chapter 52
Jack
My phone glows in my hand.
Me:WHERE R U???
Me:ur dad won’t let me see u
Me:MORGAN REPLY OR ILL LOSE MY FUCKING MIND
dumb girl:I’m OK! Srry was caught up with parents. Meet me at the church.
Not long after receiving that text, I fly through the door. Morgan waits in the expansive, marble-covered lobby.
I don’t have words. I just take her in my arms.
“You stupid girl,” I scold, but kiss her temples. Once, twice. Breathing her in before pulling back. “Those things I said about your dad... your face. What happened?”
She cups her cheek, her expression ashamed.
“My mother slapped me.”
“She what?”
“I know. The important thing is, I didn’t mean to worry you. I’m okay now,” she reassures, her voice a mix of remorse and compassion. “I hit my head. I went to the hospital, but my parents brought me home.”
I step back, studying her. “What? I didn’t know you were in the hospital. Your parents—”
“I know,” she murmurs. “I need to show you something. Inside.”
I swallow hard, but begrudgingly follow. She pushes open a door to the big auditorium. We stroll down the walkway in silence. I take in the massive space. It’s even bigger than it looks on television. It’s a production, not a church.
We climb the steps on the stage. The spotlights beam down, blindingly white.
“If you plan on using this place to convert me, it won’t work.”
“No,” she replies, her smile soft and sincere. “I was trying to convert you, though.”
My brow lifts, surprised she admitted what I already knew.
Still, hearing her say it here — on this stage, under these lights — hits differently.
I ease the tension.
“Church girl uses such sinful tactics.”
