“Lex, you can’t go around killing everyone who looks at you the wrong way,” my mother huffs.
“It wasn’t that,” Addison says. “It was me.”
“Addison, you don’t have to say shit,” I remind her.
“I told him. What happened to me, and he figured out who it was.” Addison turns to me. “Wait… Howdidyou know?”
“The day you left school, that asshole had a huge scratch down his face,” I explain.
“Oh.”
“That’s the kid you threw out the window?” Mom asks, and I nod. “Good. I would have done worse if I got my hands on him.”
“Well, you can’t go back to school.” My dad sighs. “Which is why you’re both here.”
“This has nothing to do with Addison,” I tell him.
“I told the dean you wouldn’t step foot on that campus again. We came to an understanding to keep your name out of any witnesses’ mouths,” he says. “If Addison is there, I know you won’t stay away.”
He’s right. I won’t.
“I can go home,” Addison says.
“You can stay here,” Mom tells her. “I’ve got the room ready for you. And we’re going to arrange for online courses. For both of you.”
“The other option is Russia. They have good schools there,” Dad grunts.
“My baby is not going to fucking Russia, Mikhail,” Mom growls at him.
“It’s an option,” Dad says.
“So is being a widow.” Mom stands.
“I’m really sorry I caused so much trouble.” Addison looks at my parents.
My father comes and sits down across from us. “Addison, you have not caused any trouble. Whether you like it or not, you are a part of this family. And, well, we look after each other. No matter what it takes. If you really want to go to college, I will make it happen somewhere.”
“I…” Addison glances at me. “I actually don’t want to go back.” Her eyes well up but she doesn’t cry. “I don’t think I can do it.”
“Okay, we will arrange for those online courses. Anything you need, let me know. Lex can show you to the guestroom in the left wing.”
“The left wing? Why? She can have the room next to mine.”
“Because that room is a little apartment, and Addison needs her own space so she can escape this family when she needs to,” Mom insists. “You lot are a bunch of heathens. Now I need to go pay your brother a visit.”
“Thank you.” Addison stands and walks over to my mom. She doesn’t pull away when my mom hugs her.
I fucking wish I could do that too. But Addi flinches when I touch her…
Chapter Fourteen
Ilook around the guestroom. This is all a little strange. I understand that his parents are doing whatever they can for Lex. But why on earth are they trying to help me? And can I really stay here?
“I know it’s weird,” Lex says. “I told you my family was fucked up.”
“I like your parents. They’re nice,” I assure him. “But thisisweird, Lex. We haven’t even spoken for ages, and now what? We’re just going to live together? Take online classes together? How is this supposed to work?”
“First, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, Addi. If you want to break out of here, I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”
