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“Maybe you should take the day off. I’m sure Willa can handle everything for one day.”

“No,” I answer, shaking my head. “I can’t just sit here moping all day. I need a distraction. I’ll be home before you have to leave for class, though.”

She nods and I peek down at Brooklyn, who’s staring up at me with concerned eyes and I suck in a breath, forcing a smile to my face.

“Have a good day with Auntie Alice, baby.” I blow her a kiss but the scowl doesn’t leave her face as she watches me. My smart girl knows something serious is going on. Even at only fourteen months old, we can’t slip anything past her.

“I’ll put Beauty and the Beast on to try and cheer her up a little,” Alice assures me and I nod, hoping that her favorite movie will be able to distract her from the fact that Lucas is this giant gaping hole in our lives right now.

“Okay, I’m leaving, then.” I turn toward the door and pull my phone out of my purse. There’s a text from Willa and I read it as I open the door and step outside.

Willa:

Coming into work today, boss lady?

Me:

On my way now.

I sigh as I put my phone back in my purse and instead of walking down the steps to my car, I turn toward the swing on the far end of the porch. As I sink into the seat and sway back and forth, a few tears slip down my cheeks. Alice is right - I need to go to the police and finally put an end to this two year long nightmare. I’m just terrified that it’s going to cost me everything that I’ve been building for my life.

My mind drifts to the morning after being raped. Grams was by my side through the night as they administered the rape kit and she held me as I cried. I can still hear her telling me that I was too strong to let this beat me. As I suck in a breath, I feel a little bit of that strength returning and I know it’s time to handle this. Despite what happens between Lucas and me, I do deserve justice.

I pull my phone out of my purse and hesitate for a second before dialing Lucas’s number. His voice mail picks up and I close my eyes, summoning the courage I need to leave this message. When the beep sounds, I take a deep breath and open my eyes.

“Hi. It’s me. I just… I wanted to call you and let you know that I’ll be going to the police station tomorrow to give them the information on your brother.” My lip wobbles as tears form in my eyes again. “This is so hard for me and I know how hard it must be for you. Just know that whatever you decide, I don’t blame you for anything. I could never ask you to choose between the two of us and I understand your loyalty to him. If I don’t hear from you again, I want you to know that I love you and I’m so grateful for the time we had together. You taught me to trust and love again and you’re always going to hold a special place in my heart. I hope, one day, you can find happiness because that’s what I truly want for you, Lucas. I just want you to be happy and get the life you deserve.” I bite my lip to hold back the sob that desperately wants to break free. “Good-bye.”