Page 77 of Blades of Obsession

I’m reeling. My father had always been unbearable, but this? It’s beyond anything I could have imagined. He tried to kill my mother, after abusing her for who knows how long. “And you’ve been in hiding ever since? Why are you here?”

“For the first year or two, I had enough saved up to survive. Then it ran out, and I struggled for some time. I dropped out of college for your father, and I was a stay-at-home mom for almost thirteen years. The only jobs I could get wouldn’t even cover rent. I reconnected with Jacob’s mom, who led me to him, and he offered me triple what any old regular job would. So, I took it.”

“Why didn’t you come for me?”

“I was going to after you graduated college. Life on the run wasn’t any place for a middle schooler. And I wanted you to finish university first.”

Time and time again, I excused my dad’s actions because I thought he was grieving his wife. I kept telling myself he’d get better once the heartbreak healed. Turns out, I was lying to myself the whole time. I didn’t want to accept the fact that my dad was simply just a piece of shit. It feels like my entire life has been built on lies and betrayals.

“Mom, we’re gonna get out of here.”

“Yes, you will. I promise.”

I shake my head. “No. I don’t wanna go back without you. I just got you back again, I can’t lose you already.”

She looks down, her face creasing with worry as lines form across her forehead. “I can’t go back. If your father finds out I’m alive, he’ll come after me.”

“We’ll face dad together if he pops up,” I assure her. “We can get John involved if we have to.”

She laughs, but it’s tinged with bitterness. “John isn’t the type of man to just help. I had to practically sign away my soul the last time.”

“I can ask him. He might be more open to saying yes to me. We got off on the wrong foot when we first met, but I’m sure he’ll do something to help.”

“How do you know him? I told your dad to keep you away from anything involving that wretched group.”

“Um, well, I have a… boyfriend.”

She arches an eyebrow. “Judging by your hesitation, you don’t think I’d approve?”

“Well, he’s close to John because… he’s a part of the same group dad is.”

Her face drains of color at the mention of this information. She takes in a deep breath. “I know I haven’t beenaround for a long time, but Melly, that doesn’t seem like the type you’d go for.”

“I know. I had reservations about it too,” I admit, trying to keep my voice steady. “But, he’s not so bad. He treats me well.”

Of course, I’m leaving out the fact that, in the beginning, he practically forced me to be with him.

“Okay, I trust you.”

“So? If I figure out a way to escape, will you come with me?”

She looks at me, torn, contemplating for what feels like eternity. Finally, she nods. “Yes. What the hell, let’s try it.”

Careful not to hit her with the dangling chains, I engulf her in a big hug. I can’t believe I’m hugging my mother right now. I don’t know whether to cry or smile, so I do both before we pull apart.

But the moment is shattered when the door swings open. Jacob strides in, his voice tense, arms crossed over his chest. “What the hell is taking so long?”

My mom and I exchange a worried glance before she quickly stands, smoothing her skirt. “She was crying. I was just keeping her company.”

He smirks. “I think Paul needs something in the other room, Aurora.” My mom casts an apologetic look my way before hurrying out of the room. “Aw, she’s not dead. Isn’t that great?”

“Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“Why should I have? You’re lucky I even let her in here for you to find out now. I could’ve kept her hidden. I would’ve paid big money to see the look on your face when you found out.” He chuckles.

“Fuck you,” I seethe.

“Oh, not yet. But you are going to suck my dick.” He grabs my hair, forcefully yanking me to my knees on the cold floor. Idon’t even cry out, gritting my teeth to conceal the yelp of pain. He doesn’t deserve my reactions.

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