Page 101 of When We Are Falling

Before I can say anything else, a figure hurries around the corner of the Tavern. It’s Ethan.

He came.

He slows down when he sees us, his eyes widening as he takes in the scene. His jaw clenches, raw, primal anger flickering across his face, and for a moment, he looks like he might lose control. But then he takes a deep breath, hands going up, palms out in a placating gesture, eyes locked on David.

Stepping forward, calm and steady, the night air shifts around him. “Blake. I’m here. It’s going to be okay. What do you want me to do?”

His question cuts through everything else. It’s a question I never expected to hear from him. He’s used to charging in, always trying to take control, thinking he had to save me. But now... he’s waiting. He’s letting me decide.

It’s the trust I needed from him all along, and suddenly, the fear inside me loosens just enough to see clearly. I’m in control of this. Ethan’s here to support me, but he’s giving me the space to handle things my way.

I meet Ethan’s gaze. “It’s okay. I can deal with this. But please, don’t go anywhere.”

“I’m right here.”

Looking back at David, who’s breathing heavily, his grip still tight around my wrist. “Hey,” I say softly, trying to reach the part of him I pray is still in there. “It’s going to be fine. Ethan’s just here to help. I trust that you’re going to let go of me, though. What’s happening right now isnotokay.”

David’s eyes flicker with something wild, and instead of loosening, his grip tightens, his fingers digging in as if he’s holding on for dear life.

Chapter 48

Blake

For a few seconds,I just stare at David, not sure what to do. Then Ethan shifts behind me, and all the things he’s been saying to me—about trusting others, about opening up—echo inside my mind, and I know in that instant David, who’s hurting so bad, thinking he’s all alone, is the one who needs to hear it.

“David,” I say, my voice steadying as I look at him, willing him to meet my eyes. “Look at me.”

His gaze flickers, avoiding mine for a moment before landing back on me.

My voice softens. “I know you’re angry. I know you’re hurting.” My heart still races, but I keep talking, my words stronger now. “I’m here for you. I’ll always be here for you. Sylvia didn’t hurt me like she hurt you, but that doesn’t make what you’re saying less true. You and I are stronger than this, stronger than what Sylvia did to you. Let go of me, and we can figure this out together.”

For a moment, David’s anger seems to intensify, his grip tightening.

“I’m here for you.Always. Nothing will change that—even this, even you grabbing me when you know deep down it’s the wrong thing to do. Let me in, let me help you through this. We’re on the same side. We’ve known each other a long time, and you always looked out for me at Sylvia’s house. Let me look out for you this time.Please.”

He stares at me, and something shifts in his gaze, like he’s remembering all those promises we made to one another as kids. I just stand there, letting him see that I’m not leaving, that I’m not afraid of whatever big emotions he’s feeling.

And then his shoulders slump as the fight drains out of him, and he finally loosens his grip on my wrist. I don’t move, don’t step away, staying close, showing him that I’m not going anywhere. Not now, not when he needs me.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, his voice cracking. “I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s okay,” I say gently, rubbing my wrist where his fingers left red marks. “We’ll figure this out. We always do.”

David nods weakly and takes a shaky breath, glancing at Ethan, who hasn’t moved. The three of us stand there, the night pressing in around us, the sky overhead pricked with stars.

I give David a reassuring look. “Hey. It’s going to be okay.”

He doesn’t respond right away, just keeps his gaze fixed on the ground. But then he looks up and meets my eyes, and there’s a glimpse of the boy I grew up with. “I’m sorry about before.” His voice is low, filled with so much pain. “Fuck! I just want to feel better about what Sylvia did.”

“I know,” I say softly, taking a step closer and placing a hand on his arm. His skin is cold to the touch, tension still tightening his muscles. I squeeze his arm gently. “Even if you didn’t findanyone else willing to speak up, we can still do something about it. You’re not alone in this, David. You’ve never been alone.”

He meets my eyes, and for the first time in a while, I see the boy I grew up with—the one who just needed to realize I’ve always believed in him.

“Come on,” I say softly, tilting my head toward the Tavern. “Let’s go in and get a drink so we can talk.”

Ethan steps closer, his movements careful, respectful of the fragile peace we’ve just found. David eyes him warily.

“Do you want me to stay?” Ethan’s unable to hide his concern.

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