Page 5 of Left in the Dark

“Hi, sweetie.” My mom walks into my bedroom stiffly, wearing a long-sleeved lace dress. Genuine happiness shines in her eyes at the sight of me, but I see the strain as she moves. She was late to dinner last night because the planning meeting for the charity ball event ran late. Even though she texted and called my dad, I still heard the abuse coming from their bedroom. The noises caused me to put my hands over my ears, falling to the floor on my knees, squeezing my eyes shut. I rocked myself back and forth, trying to prevent a panic attack.

Pulling myself from the thoughts, I sit up, smiling at her. “Hey.” My gaze roams over her outfit. “You look gorgeous. Going out?”

“Thank you.” A slight blush colors her cheeks from my compliment. Dad’s fists knock the confidence out of her, running her self-esteem down until she can’t see the beauty and value she brings to this world. My mom is the most kind-hearted, phenomenal woman I’ve ever met. But she’s blind when it comes to my father.

I wish she’d leave my father and take me with her. I know my brother, Daniel, wouldn’t go with us. Although we’re twins, we couldn’t be more different. My brother is an asshole, just like our dad.

I’d rather live in the trailer park and be free of the abuse than stay here in this enormous house.

But she won’t leave here.

My mom stiffly settles on the edge of my bed. “Your father and I are going out to dinner.” Green eyes search mine. “We won’t be home until late.”

My heart rate spikes.I wonder if Zayne is free?

“What event is it?” I fake interest and nonchalance as my mom spills the details, but my thoughts are on a certain bad boy from the wrong side of town.

She leans over, kisses my cheek, then whispers in my ear. “Have fun tonight. Be safe.”

When she pulls back, the twinkle in her eyes and her knowing smile sends shock waves down my spine. She squeezes my hand. “A mother always knows.”

I sit in stunned silence, not saying a word.

My mom winks and whispers, “I’ve seen him around town. Hard-working with a bad boy look. And the way he looks at you… Ohh, girl.” She giggles and fans herself. Noticing the panicky look on my face, she waves her hand. “I’m only saying that because I saw the two of you when we went to the bookstore last weekend. I’ve never seen that boy smile like that.” She pats my hand. “Don’t worry, Laney. Your secret’s safe with me.”

Then she stiffly gets up, moving toward the door.

“Mom.” I wait until she stops and turns around. “Dad doesn’t know, right?” Anxiety makes my stomach churn, and there’s a tightening in my chest that makes it hard to breathe.

“Pfff… No way. And I’d never tell him.” Her eyes and face are soft, but then they cloud over. “Just be very careful, okay?”

I vigorously nod. “I will.”

Her smile widens. “By the way, I’m damn proud of you for the way you’ve always stood up for him. You were the only one who did, which makes me feel like I’ve raised you right… despite everything.” Her eyes drop to the toes of her high heels, shame coloring her cheeks.

The knowledge that my mom knows all of this makes my head swim. “You raised me right, Mom.” I get up from the bed and move to her. “I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.”

Her eyes lift to mine, tears welling in them. “There’s a lot of things you don’t know, Laney. Things I don’t want to burden you with.” Her expression turns grave. “But if you ever get the chance, run, and don’t look back.”

My heart palpitates inside my chest as her words sink deep. My throat tightens as I choke out, “What about you?”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be alright.” The seriousness in her expression sends chills down my spine. “Sometimes you have to do what’s best for yourself. Life is too short.”

I wrap my arms around her, careful not to squeeze her too hard. “I love you, mom.”

“I love you, Laney girl. So damn much.”

CHAPTER 5

Delaney

Iwave to my parents before they pull out of the garage, my palms sweaty and a fluttery feeling inside my chest. As soon as the door closes, I hurry inside the house, my heart pounding as I run up the stairs, heading to my room.

Grabbing my cell phone, I do something I don’t do nearly as much as I’d like—I call Zayne.

He answers on the second ring, worry tinging his voice. “You okay, lil minx?”

Hearing his voice and the nickname rolling from his tongue makes me lightheaded. “Yes,” my voice rings out, breathlessly.

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