Page 66 of Britain

She throws back the covers. “No, I’m not okay. Look what Marcus did to you. We need to get you to the hospital to make sure that nothing is broken.”

“Nothing is broken, I promise. It just hurts like hell.” I lie down next to her. “It wasn’t that long ago that you were in worse shape than me.”

Britain sits up, and I’ve never seen her look so defeated. “I can’t be in Heather and his wedding anymore. Not after what he did to you.”

I scoot in close, grabbing her hands. “I know what happened was really fucked up, but I don’t want you to make any rash decisions.”

There’s a pounding on the door and Britain flies out of bed and down the stairs. I can’t catch her, and follow behind her slowly.

“Mommy,” my girl moans and cries as she collapses in her mom’s arms. Her cries are breaking my heart. Sheila hugs and rocks her daughter.

I move closer to them and sit across from them on the floor. It takes a while before Britain’s cries finally slow down. Sheila looks at me and gives me a soft smile.

She strokes Britain’s hair. “Baby girl, no tears. It’s all going to be okay. Silas looks upset, baby girl, and we don’t want that.”

She sits up and looks at me and then back at her mom. “Marcus told everyone about what happened to me.”

“I know, baby, and I gave him an earful. He just wasn’t thinking. Your brother has always been a hothead and he’s protective over you. It’s not my business what happens in your bedroom, but I’m assuming that it’s consensual.” Britain and I both nod.

Sheila nods. “Okay. I’m going to leave…I just need to make sure you’re both okay. Silas, sit in the chair and let me check you over really quick.” I help Britain up and then sit down at my kitchen table.

Her mom pokes at spots on my face, causing me to wince. Sheila applies ointment to my split lip, and the medicinal scent floats up to my nostrils. After her assessment she doesn’t think anything is broken. Sheila hugs Brit and whispers something in her ear. My girl nods and then hugs her mom tight.

Sheila surprises me by coming toward me and wrapping me in a hug. “It’s all going to be okay. They’re all just…well, they’re just stupid men who react before they think.” She looks at Britain and then back at me. “Take care of her.”

I give her a squeeze. “I will.”

Once she’s gone, Britain wraps her arms around my waist. “Who is Dorie?”

I lead her into the living room and set her down. I explain that we were involved very casually. “She works with Heather and is a member of Heathens. I saw her one night after our scene and I should’ve watched her more closely. She was a bitch and pissed that I’m with you because she wanted a relationship with me. I didn’t return those feelings.”

I grab her hands. “Videotaping at the club is forbidden—I’m heading there today to report her. They’ll revoke her membership and she’ll never be allowed there again. I’m so fucking sorry, baby.”

A tear leaks from her eye. “It’s not your fault.” She wipes the tear away. “Fuck! I can’t stop crying.”

“It’s okay to cry.” She shakes her head. “Baby, it is. I don’t know why you think it’s not, but it really is okay.”

“No, it’s not. I haven’t cried since I was a little girl.”

I put my hands on her shoulders. “What do you mean by that?”

“You know that Mom and Dad got back together after what happened. I clung to Sheila constantly and she was so loving and so good with me. I cried a lot after that day. I’d have to sleep with Dad and Mom. I’d cry about everything, and one night I heard my parents talking about my crying, how worried they were, and that if I didn’t stop they were going to take me to the hospital. I never cried again.”

“What do you mean, you never cried again?”

Britain shrugs. “I never cried. Not when I was sad, and not when I got hurt. Now the dam has broken…obviously.”

My face begins to throb again. “How about tonight we order a pizza and just chill on the couch or in bed?”

She nods and then gingerly touches my face. “Let’s get you some more ice.”

That’s what we end up doing: snuggling on the couch, in bed, and me just holding my girl. Hopefully once everyone calms down, we can all talk rationally.

***

Bam, bam, bam. I sit up in bed, confused about what the fuck is happening. Britain’s asleep beside me and snoring softly. I grab some pajama bottoms and a t-shirt, quickly dressing before heading downstairs. I look out the peephole and find my sister on the other side.

I take a deep breath and open the door.

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