Page 6 of Shadow and Skulls

Both of their mouths fall open.

“Kels, no way would I tell anyone your story.” Carson shakes his head.

“Me, either. We didn’t tell Jason or anyone else anything about your past,” Cole adds.

I don’t need to look at either of them to know they’re telling the truth.

“Wait. Jason knows?” Carson asks. “He brought it up to you?”

The footrest on my dad’s recliner drops closed, and he leans forward. “Boys, go upstairs.”

His tone makes both of them instantly offer me an encouraging hug, then they jog up the stairs without question.

My dad is quiet for a long time. “Did you really fall in a puddle tonight?” he asks.

“Yes.”

He runs his hand down his face, muttering under his breath. “If you don’t want to talk to me that’s fine, but youwillbe doing some talking tonight.”

The sick feeling intensifies, pulsing against my veins.

“Fine.” I stare at the ceiling. “Jason asked me if the reason I never want to move past first base is because of what happened to me.”

When my dad doesn’t respond, I lift my head. I both love and hate the way he is looking at me. He doesn’t hide his love or concern for me. The man is unwavering in the way he lets people know he loves them. But I hate the look of helplessness that’s hidden in the shadow of his gaze.

I don’t like it. I don’t want my dad to feel bad for me. No one else should have to help me carry the burden of my pain. It only creates more victims.

“It’s okay, Dad. I’m sorry I blamed the boys. My past is a matter of public record. I’m sure Jason found out another way.” I push off the couch. “I’ll go apologize to them.”

“Not so fast,” he says right as Mom walks in.

I groan, falling back onto the couch dramatically, my arms flailing to the sides.

My dad fills her in on the cheer team and Jason. She stares at him while reaching over to pull me against her chest. Her sweet blueberry scent wraps around me. I smile, ignoring their conversation, lulled by the gentle way her fingers are running through my hair.

“Baby, was Jason pressuring you tonight?” she asks.

“Hmm?” I hum, blinking my eyes open sleepily.

She wraps her hands around my face, her thumbs brushing lightly under my eyes. “Talk to us, honey. Does this have something to do with why you quit the cheer team?”

“What? No.” I push away from her. “It doesn’t matter. It’s not like we were trying to hide my past. Jason found out. It’s no big deal.”

It’s no big deal.

Mom looks over at Dad, concern turning down the corners of her mouth.

“Listen, I quit the cheer team because it’s not the same without the boys. And tonight, well, Jason’s question caught me off guard. But it’s fine, because I was going to have to have the conversation with him sooner or later.”

When my mom starts to speak, I stand up. “I’m going to go apologize to the boys, and then we should watch that movie. It’s their last night home. I don’t want to waste it.”

She doesn’t argue. Her gaze lingers over me as I jog up the stairs.

The boys are sitting on their beds when I get there.

“I’m sorry.” I lean against the doorjamb, not looking at either of them. “Do you guys still want to watch a movie?”

They stand at the same time. Cole squats in front of me, pointing to his back. I giggle and hop on, wrapping my arms around his neck. Carson quickly rushes past us, and then the competition begins. They push and shove at each other all the way down the stairs. I hold on tight, giggling the entire time.

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