Page 17 of Forgiving Fate

“Landon.”

His head whips to me and I expect him to say something is wrong, but his face softens and he releases his grip.

Continuing, I say, “I don’t know what you or your brothers do, but I understand why you are protective of them. I don’t know what else to say, but like you said, Logan wouldn’t put me in harm’s way again…intentionally. So do whatever you need to do, so I can get this over with. But just know either way, I need to go into that house at some point. I need to move on to the next phase of whatever this life is, and this is just the next step in that process.”

Landon opens his mouth to say something but closes it.

The look on his face says one thing, but the next words that come out of his mouth are far from what I can tell he wants to say. “Please, just wait here with the doors locked. You have my number. If you feel uncomfortable in the slightest, text me and I will come back.”

I nod and watch as he opens the door and steps out of the car. Just as he is about to shut the door, he leans down and opens his mouth again to say something, but stops himself once more.

He nods towards my phone in the cup holder. I pick it up and hold it in my hands in my lap. He then points to the lock button on the dash and shuts the door. He waits to walk away until I hit the button and I watch him walk up to my childhood home like he has been there a million times before.

He goes to the weathered turtle on the porch and finds the spare key. I wait with bated breath as he unlocks the door and a lump rises in my throat. He glances over his shoulder as I wait for him to push the door open, and our eyes lock. I don’t know why it feels like he is silently asking permission, but I nod, giving him the approval and he heads inside, closing the door behind him.

I sink back into the seat and wait for the panic to rise in my chest that I know is only minutes from consuming me completely.

Chapter Eight

Allie

The minutes tick byone after another as I wait for Landon to come out of the house.

Sinking further into the seat, I try to keep my face hidden from the view of the nosey neighbors. The last thing I want to do is explain to one of my friends from high school’s mother that my parents are no longer alive and I am here to try to pick up the last remaining pieces of their lives.

It feels like hours later when I watch Landon walk out of the front door and my stomach drops at the look on his face.

I don’t know what comes over me, but I unlock the car and open the door, but as soon as my feet hit the pavement, I stop. All the confidence I just had bubbling inside me to run and see what the glum look on his face is about fades away and I’m stuck.

Landon’s gaze meets mine, and he scans the neighborhood. I don’t know if I should walk over to him or if I should wait for him to come and tell me what the look on his face is for.

I don’t have to wait long for my answer when he hurriedly steps off the porch and crosses the yard towards me in a few strides.

I search his face for a hint of what is going on and I can’t tell.

Fuck. My mind runs through a million theories before it hits me.

I knew it was too good to be true. Theassholecouldn’t just ruin my life in every way possible.Hehad to take away the one piece of my parents I have left.

Landon glances around once more before stepping closer to me. On instinct, I back up until my back hits the car. His eyes go wide and he takes a step back.

Placing his hands in his pockets, in almost a whisper, he says, “I’m sorry. I should have known not to do that. I–I just didn’t want someone to come outside and overhear. I didn’t think…I’m really sorry.”

The look on his face is full of anguish and I want to kick myself for my stupid instinctual reaction. I know he meant nothing threatening by it.

Shaking my head, I cross my arms over my chest, “It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean it. I-It’s going to take me a moment to feel safe around…people again. I promise it’s not you.”

Landon stares at me blankly for a moment, then nods. He takes a moment before steeling his spine and standing to his full height. His voice still low, “The house is clear. I checked every inch and there were no cameras or signs of forced entry.” He pauses, and I know the other shoe is about to drop. And I wait with bated breath while he finds the right words to tell me.

“I want you to know something before you go in there. Your parents’ belongings seem to be mostly untouched. But there is one room that took some…uh…damage.”

Damage? If my parents’ belongings and memories were left unscathed, why am I standing here waiting to go inside?

“From what it looks like, the one room that was touched was —-” Landon takes a step back and stares up at the sky.

“Landon. Just tell me. And please talk to me like a person. I can take it. Whatever it is, I’m sure it won’t be anywhere close to what I have already gone through. Please.” The suspense is killing me and I need to know.

Nodding, he quickly regains his composure and returns his gaze to me. “Your room was damaged. It looks like a tornado went through there. I didn’t touch anything so you could assess what is worth saving. I’m really sorry Allie.”

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