Page 106 of Steps

Daniel clarifies, “You’re the one leaving. I’veput up with a lot of shit over the years, but I won’t tolerate this. I want youout. Maybe when you’re on your own without my money and constant support,you’ll start to see clearer.”

Varen lifts his chin defiantly. “I already seethings clearly. I don’t need your money, Dad. I’ll be fine on my own. As I’vesaid, I’ll still have Toya.”

My body shakes. This isn’t what I had imagined.“If you’re leaving, I’m going too.”

Varen turns his head. “No, it’s okay. Stay here.”

“But…”

He pulls me into his arms. “Stay.” He releases meand runs upstairs.

Sniffling, I make to follow him, but Mom grasps myarm. “Don’t you dare.”

Defiant, I pull away and run up the stairs toVaren’s room. He’s throwing clothes into a duffle bag. He stops when I enter,comes up to me, and takes me into his arms.

I cry softly on his shoulder. “I knew theywouldn’t support us, but I didn’t think your dad would go as far as cutting youoff.”

He rubs my back. “They’re just upset.” Looking atme again, he wipes my cheeks. “We’ll be okay, Toya. I’ll stay with Finn for afew days while working, and then I’ll get a place once I’m paid. It’ll befine.”

I nod and whimper out, “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t say that. Don’t you ever apologize forloving me. We’ll deal with everything together.”

Managing a smile, I swallow hard and whisper,“Tell me again.”

Varen caresses my cheek, a smile curling his lipsdespite the situation. “I love you.”

My heart warms, and suddenly it doesn’t ache asmuch. “I love you, too.”

He kisses me tenderly then holds me in his arms.

Daniel huffs in frustration behind us. “You needto leave.” He motions out the door. “I won’t have you two in my house likethis.”

Varen lets go of me, snatches up his duffle, andbrushes past his dad. I shadow him as he descends the stairs. Daniel follows,perhaps making sure I don’t leave.

Reaching the bottom, Varen picks up his suitcaseand smaller bag already by the door.

“Wait, Varen, I’m going too,” I say boldly,wanting nothing more.

Mom yanks me back. “Absolutely not. You two needto be separated.”

“Toya, it’s okay,” Varen assures. “It’s just fornow.”

He looks at his dad and sister one more timebefore walking away, going into the garage to retrieve his car. I almost expectDaniel to stop him from taking it, but he does nothing. Next thing I hear Varenrevving down the driveway. The ache in my stomach rises. Tears pool down myface.

Hissing, Alison runs up to her bedroom and slamsthe door, shutting out the drama.

A painful sigh surges from my lips. I’m about towalk past Daniel when he says, “This is only an infatuation. You’ll bothrealize that soon. You just need to be away from each other.”

I shake my head, curls a mess. “It’s not likethat. We love each other for real, and you can’t keep us apart.”

“But we will,” Mom retorts, a stern look maskingher features. “You’re not allowed to go anywhere unless we drive you. Hope youdidn’t make plans because you’re spending the rest of your summer in thishouse.”

My mouth drops. “But I was going to find apart-time job.”

“Perfect,” Daniel adds. “I have work you can do atthe office.”

“This is ridiculous!” Upset, I glower at them. “Itwon’t matter. Nothing you do will make us stop loving each other.”

---