Page 25 of Angel's Fantasy

And then, as if my eyes had been drawn to it, I looked out the window across the courtyard. And for the first time in days, there was a light on in Angel’s window.

I didn’t know if it was a sign or a coincidence or what, but I didn’t waste any time wondering about it, either.

Before I could really process what I was doing or what I was thinking, I was running back down the stairs, heading for the door.

“And where do you think you’re going?” My father’s voice stopped me in my tracks once I got to the bottom of the stairs and was just a few steps away from being on my way to see Angel. “I need you to start making dinner soon. I’m getting hungry.”

And then I snapped.

“No.” I shook my head. “I’m not making dinner tonight—or ever again—until you’ll listen to reason. You’ve got a problem, Daddy, and until you’re ready to get some help, I can’t stay here with you. I’m sorry, but I just… can’t. I’m done.”

“What? No. Where the hell are you going?”

That, at least, was a question I did have an answer to. I knew exactly where I was going, and there was nothing that was going to stop me.

I didn’t hesitate to answer when he asked me. I didn’t even blink twice. “I’m going to Angel’s. That’s where I need to be right now.”

And when I walked out the door and closed it behind me, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to go back there again, or if he’d even want me to. For that matter, I wasn’t sure if Angel would even answer the door, or would let me stay even if he did.

But there was only one way to find out, and no matter what was going to happen, I wasn’t looking back.

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