Page 25 of The Alpha's Pen Pal

My foot kicked out behind me, making contact with the officer’s knee. He grunted and flinched but didn’t lose hold of me.

My social worker, Jennifer, stepped between my family and me as I fought against the officer. My bag sat on the floor, forgotten in the scuffle. Mom tried to step around her, but Jennifer stopped her with her arm and a firm shake of her head, glancing behind her towards a second officer in warning.

“Haven, it’s okay,” Mom said, her voice strained. “You need to stop fighting him.”

I shook my head, too afraid to use my voice. I didn’t know what words I would spew if I opened my mouth.

“Yes,” she retorted, her voice stronger than it had been in weeks. “You need to go with him, and let us work this out with social services and the authorities.”

Tiffany looked at her with wide eyes. “But Mom—”

“Tiff, this is how it has to be,” Scott whispered. “We have to do as they ask. Otherwise, it could be worse for us.”

A sob broke out of my lips, and I went limp in the cop’s arms. All the fight left me at Scott’s words.

The worst part was all of it was my fault. If I hadn’t snuck out, if I hadn’t tried to see Dad on my own, then none of this would have happened.

The cop lifted me against his chest, cradling me to his body as he bent to grab my bag off of the cold white tile flooring.

“I’m sorry,” I whimpered, wrapping my arms around my stomach to keep my insides from becoming my outsides. “It’s all my fault.”

“It’s not your fault,” someone said, but I was too lost in my sorrow to tell who.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered again as the cop walked me back into the spare hospital room. “I’m so, so sorry,” I repeated, over and over again through my tears, until my voice was raw, and the only person who could hear me was myself.

CHAPTER 11

DearHaven,

I don’t know about you, but I am so ready for Spring Break! One week of no school, no teachers, and no homework? Yes, please!

Do you have any plans for the week off? My family and I are heading to the beach to go camping for a few nights, and Reid is coming with us.

Then, our town has its annual spring festival. We plant trees, and there is usually tons and tons of food, pies, and freshly squeezed lemonade.

Also, I know it’s a ways away, and I know my parents will be talking to your parents about it soon, but this summer, I was hoping we could meet in person? I mean, if you want to. I thought it would be fun. We’ve mentioned meeting in person before, so yeah.

Anyway… read you later!

Your friend,

Wes

P.S. Reid says hi

P.P.S. Damn it, I am so sorry! I TOLD him to leave my shit alone!

DearHaven,

Hey! It’s been a minute. Usually, you’ve written back by now, but maybe you’re busy? I know you were going to be starting more ballet classes and private lessons, so I’m guessing you’re caught up with that and maybe tired from adjusting to your new schedule. I know when my boxing training gets upped in intensity I get worn out a bit easier for a few days while I adjust!

Have you thought about what I said about this summer? I mean, it’s okay if you don’t want to. I won’t be upset.

Oh! I have another question. Well, actually, it was Nolan’s question. He told me to pretend like it was mine, but it’s really his. He wants to know if you do the type of ballet where you go all the way up on your toes? I don’t know if it has a special name or not.

We watched a video of it when we sent you those Nutcracker tickets, and we all agreed it looks super painful. So, do you do that? Does it hurt? Is it hard??

Hope to hear from you soon!

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