Page 13 of Puck Blocked
“Have you eaten?”
“I had some of the fruit you left,” she says, then quickly adds, “Thank you.”
“That’s it?” I look her over. The girl really does need to eat. She’s skinnier than I’ve ever seen her.
“It was enough.”
“I’ll make you something else. What do you feel like having? Or we can order some takeout?” I offer.
She shakes her head. “No, thank you. I’m not hungry.”
“Montana, do you… do you think you should talk to someone? Like a professional? A doctor? I can find someone willing to come to the house.”
“Why would I need to talk to someone?” This time, she turns her head to look at me.
“Because you’ve been through a traumatic experience. It’s okay to get help.”
“I was in a car accident,” she whispers.
“Tanna, we both know that’s not true.” I sigh, and she tugs her hand back.
“It is true.”
“Who’s Andrew?” I ask, and the moment the words leave my mouth, I wish I could take them back.
Montana’s face goes ashen. Her hands tremble and her body curls in on itself. “W-who?” she stammers out.
“You screamed his name last night, Tanna. In your sleep. So who is he?” I ask again. Because, well, the cat’s out of the bag now.
“No one.” She shakes her head from side to side. “I should go.”
“You’re not going anywhere. You need to let me help you. Why are you punishing yourself?”
“I’m not… I… You wouldn’t understand.”
“You’re right. I probably wouldn’t. Because the Montana I used to know knew her worth and would never have let some asshole beat her black and blue.” I take a deep breath. I need to calm down.
It’s not her fault. I know that. I know none of it is that simple. I’ve looked into it. There’s a whole psychology behind domestic violence. Between the abuser and the abused. Some people never make it out on the other side. And the truth is, she’s lucky to be alive. I’m lucky she’s alive.
But, fuck, why the hell was she letting it happen? She could have come to me.
“The Montana you knew is gone, Luke. She died the day we buried Sean. The same day you walked away from me and never looked back.”
“I’m sorry.” It’s all I can say. “I just… I hate seeing you like this. I hate that you’ve been going through this alone, and I hate that I didn’t fucking know it was happening.”
Montana doesn’t say anything, so I keep going.
“And you’re wrong. The girl I knew is still in there somewhere. I know she is… How’s school going? Are you still studying math?” I ask, wanting to change the subject.
“I… I think I’m going to go lie down for a bit, if that’s okay.”
“You can do whatever you want, Tanna. You don’t need permission,” I tell her. “Come on, I’ll help you up the stairs.”
“It’s okay. I’ve got it.” She rolls onto her side, then onto her feet, and I watch her walk out of the room. Fuck, I need to find a way to get through to her. I need to help her see what’s really going on and how much better she deserves. I just don’t fucking know how.
I know she said she’d be okay, but I get up and follow her anyway. Meeting her on the steps. “You didn’t answer me about school? Are you still taking classes?” I ask, trying to make light conversation.
Chapter Seven
