Page 53 of A Sky Full Of Stars

Just because I was a selfish teen. Just because I hated the negative attention.

“I need her address, Nate,” I ask, preparing to beg if I have to.

“Come on, man. I can’t give you that.”

I never would have given out Summer’s address if roles were reversed, but I’m desperate. “Please?”

“Fuck, I—”

He falls silent before Cory comes on the line and my stomach sinks. It’s been so long since I heard her voice. “I’ll give it to you, Thomas. But you better fix this. We’re on our way there now.”

Her voice wavers and a thought occurs to me as my mind flashes back to that day in her yard. “Did you know…back then?”

“Yes,” she whispers.

“Jesus, Cory.” She bursts into tears and my guilt hits again. “I’m sorry. I—”

“She feels bad enough,” Nate says, his tone stern. “We’ll text you the address. Go and make things right.”

He hangs up, and I throw my phone across the interior before jumping out and pacing the lot. When I turn and see my shiny truck, I pause as anger wells inside me. Dadalwaystreated Summer like shit. I saw it. He spoiled me and she gotnothing. How the hell did I let that happen?Why the fuck didn’t I stand up to him? Or even question it?

I search around for something to throw, and thankfully find a rock, launching it at my driver’s side window, shattering the glass in seconds. I don’t want this truck. I don’t want any of it. I feel sick. I should have done more.

I think back to the last time I spoke to Summer and then again to the day I begged Cory to let me see her after she left. Why the silence? Why didn’t she tell me? I should have pushed her. I should have tried again.God, I’m so fucking stupid.

After clearing the glass from my seat, I find the message from Nate and know what I have to do. I have to fix this. At least, I have to try. But there’s a very real possibility it’s already beyond repair.

Idrive around for a while, thoughts of Summer rampant in my head, and by the time I reach her door, my mind is whirring with visions of how this reunion is going to play out. Cory lets me in, her eyes full of unshed tears, making my own emotions clog my throat. Nate nods from the doorway of what looks like a bedroom as Cory wordlessly points to another door.

I feel like I’m walking to my execution as I move, but the reality is I’m here to atone. To beg for forgiveness, do anything I can to fix my mistakes. If that’s even possible.

When I get to Summer’s door, I’m so worked up, I don’t knock. But as the door flies open and I see her hunched over on the bed, my entire world crumbles.

At first, she jumps to her feet, shocked to see me until a hint of her disgust registers before she turns around. I know theemotional bomb she’s about to throw at me, but I can’t look away. I deserve this.

She moves slowly as she lifts her shirt while I stare. Frozen.

And when she exposes her back, I internally shatter…but on the outside, I’m stone. Her skin is covered in scars, some darker, some so faint they’re barely visible, but they’re there. And I could have stopped it.

I’m overcome with emotion until it’s all too much to handle, and I break down, the tears I’ve been holding in finally falling. I have no idea what to say.

What could anyone say to that?

There are no words that will ever make up for it. But I can’t stay silent.

Chapter Twenty

Thomas

“Fuck, Summer, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I—”

“Don’t. I don’t need your apologies. Or your pity. You’ve seen the truth. You can go back to ignoring me.” She’s angry and I don’t blame her, but this isn’t pity.

“Summer, I… Fuck, I don’t know what to say if I can’t apologize, but I’m not abandoning you again. Are you even okay?”

“Thomas—”

“No, Summer. You can yell, or hit me. Or both. I deserve it. Just don’t make me leave. Please. I know I’ve fucked up, but I’m here now. Please let me fix this. Can I fix this?” My voice breaks but I try to keep going.“I’m sorry,” I whisper, my words barely audible as the emotion consumes me again. Tears threaten to fall as I drop my head into my hands once more, hiding away, and when I finally look up after who knows how long, I brace for Summer’s anger.

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