Page 164 of Breathe Like Hell

Only one line.

Okay.

Not pregnant.

I washed my hands again and took the test with me inside the box, then hid it in my purse. My mother was wiping the counters when I went back into the kitchen.

“I think I’m going to head out soon,” I said, quiet enough that no one on the couch would be able to hear me.

“Your father isn’t going to like that.”

“He wants me to stay and watch the entire football game? For what reason?”

“He thinks it would be nice if you spent some time with your family. We hardly ever see you—not to mention how long it’s probably been since Anthony last saw you.”

I highly doubt he wants me here because he wants to spend time with me. It’s because he’s a controlling piece of shit who thinks everyone is always disrespecting him, and you know that.

“Well, I don’t feel good. I think I’m getting sick.”

She pursed her lips, then sighed. “I don’t know, Dakota.”

“You don’t believe me?”

“No—I do. You’ve been acting weird since you got here, and I’m sorry I didn’t realize you weren’t feeling well.” She tucked her hair behind her ears. “And of course I don’t want you to stay and socialize if you need rest. I just know he’s going to be unhappy.”

“How unhappy?”

She leveled me with a look, but her eyes were glossy. “You’re lucky he can’t hear you right now.”

“Mom,” I started. “I love you, but I’m not staying. I’m really sorry. I’m just going to leave. I can’t be here anymore.”

“Alright. Fine.” She waved her hands, ignoring my outstretched arms.

“Hug goodbye?” I questioned tentatively, feeling awkward as she turned away.

“I don’t want to get sick.”

Fine.

I didn’t say another word. Not to her, or to anyone else in the house.

Walking as fast as I could, I darted out the front door and down the steps, already hearing the shouts of my father starting up as the door slammed loudly behind me. I increased my pace, jogging until I got to the next trailer over, then stepped behind it so I was out of sight, heart pounding, tears stinging in my eyes.

It was so stupid. Such a stupid and pointless interaction. I wasn’t sure what I’d even been hoping for, but my mother would always be influenced by him first. Never me, never herself.

I pulled out my phone to text Mason and ask him to pick me up.

“Dakota!” an angry voice screamed into the cold air. I kept quiet. “Hey!” More silence. “Ungrateful fucking bitch!”

I flinched.

The door slammed shut again.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

MASON

Dakota fell into a deep sleep in the car on the way home from her parents’ place and stayed asleep as I carried her up the walkway to Micah’s house. She was exhausted. She also looked like she’d been crying before I pulled up to the street corner she’d instructed me to pick her up at.