Page 37 of Risks

In no time, Varen pulls into our isolatedescape near the runway.

There’s a plane coming in for alanding.

Heart lashing as if about to ripthrough my ribcage, I bustle from the car and hasten to the fence, and Iscream. I fucking scream.

She lied. My mom lied all theseyears.

Why? How could she do that to me?

17

I’ve never heard Toya scream likethat or even cry so much. It scared me. Even worse, she’s now alarmingly quiet,staring at the grass and shaking.

Seeing her in pain rips me apart.How do I make it better? Is that even possible? The damage caused by Lisa’s lieis irreparable, and I doubt they have a relationship left.

I grab my winter jacket from thebackseat, place it around Toya’s shivering body, and scoop her into my arms.

She makes a little sound as sherests her head against my chest. She seems exhausted after exerting so muchwith those guttural screams.

Setting her in the car, she slumps backagainst the seat, and I stall as fresh tears trickle down her face.

“Varen…” Her voice is a low andpainful whimper that stirs an unspeakable ache in my chest. “Varen…she…” Thewords can’t leave her.

“I know, babe,” I whisper and wipeher cold cheeks. “I’m taking you home.”

“To the apartment,” she says, barelyperceptible.

“Of course.”

Shutting the door for her, I hurryinto the driver’s side and leave right away.

Toya remains quiet as we climb thestairs to the apartment minutes later. The moment we enter, she hands me thejacket, peels off her clothes, and crawls under the comforter.

I don’t bother asking if she needsanything. Instead, I turn back off the light, undress, and climb into bed withher.

Toya clings to my arms when I drapethem around her shaking body. Soon, she’s crying again.

I hold her tighter while listeningto the heartbreaking sounds. It doesn’t stop until hours later when she finallyfalls asleep.

Emotions keep me awake. I’m sad thatmy beautiful girl is so distraught. But more than anything, I’m riddled withguilt. Had I not found Jesiah, this wouldn’t have happened.

Faint light is peaking through thecurtains now, indicating a new day.

My mind runs on Dad and Alison. Bothwere livid with Lisa, and I dragged Toya out of there amid their yelling.

I’m concerned for my dad. Hismarriage may have very well just fallen apart.

What a fucking Christmas.

Guilt swells even more. Everythingis shattering because I found Toya’s father.

I jumpstarted the chaos.

But isn’t it better for the truth tobe out?

Toya moans and shifts in my arms.

I kiss her cheek and whisper, “I’mhere, baby.” When she calms again, I allow my exhausted lids to fall shut.

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