Page 10 of Only Ever You

He turns, glowering at me, and I take a step back.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“Nope. No thanks to you and your brother.”

“But I didn’t?—”

“Don’t bother coming over here again, Pippa. Dad and I are leaving for good.” He turns back to the boot of the car and starts moving around boxes.

Tears prick my eyes. “Where are you going?”

He lets out a frustrated sigh. “Hamilton. Dad’s got a friend who can get him into the power plant there, and it’ll be closer to Auckland for uni.”

I blink, unable to speak. He’s leaving and he’s angry with me.

This is such a mess, and I’m not to blame for any of it.

When I sniff, he turns around again and his brows knit as I wipe my nose with the back of my sleeve.

“Hell, I’m sorry, Pippa. But the damage Lucas has done … it’s irreversible. And I can’t ignore the part you played in it even though I’m sure you thought you were just being loyal to your brother.”

Tears roll down my cheeks, and he grips my arms.

“I know you’ll miss me, Pipsqueak. I’ll miss you too.” After planting a kiss on the top of my head, he lets go of me and reaches for the boot lid before closing the back of the car.

“Dad. I’m ready,” he calls.

His father appears at the back door, gives me a mournful look, and nods. “I’m right behind you, son.”

Deacon climbs into his car, and his father ruffles my hair as he walks past. “Give my regards to your parents, Pippa. Take care.”

The cars start up, and Deacon drives away without a backward glance, followed by his father.

I trudge down the driveway and out onto the footpath.

My head’s still spinning with everything that went down.

Mum and Dad are so angry with Lucas. I’m not speaking to him. I can’t. While I knew Deacon would be away for university, he’s taken him away from me forever.

Heartbroken, I look back at the house where it all fell apart.

Mrs Miller’s standing at the window, peering out of it as her husband and son drive away.

I hate her.

Starting the long walk home, tears fall down my cheeks.

I swipe them away with my palms, but they keep coming.

When a familiar car pulls up beside me, I come to a stop, slamming my arms across my chest.

My brother opens the driver’s door and climbs out, staring at me from across the roof. “Get in. Mum’s on the warpath and you disappearing hasn’t helped her mood at all.”

Still sulking, I open the passenger door and slide into the seat. After buckling my seatbelt, I cross my arms again and look out the window.

“I know where you’ve been,” Lucas says.

I say nothing. There’s no point. He’s hurt me with his actions as well as Deacon and his father.

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