Page 146 of Unspoken Truths

“Get the fuck in the house, Nacio,” Mom says, making Emil chuckle under his breath.

Turning away, she walks back up where we are as Ignacio turns off the car and gets out.

“You’re fantastic,” Emil murmurs, kissing her forehead.

They are so cute together. I love that they found each other.

Ignacio pulls his bag over his shoulder, walking slowly over to us, hitting the button to lock the vehicle.

“These are yours,” he says, pressing the keys into my hand. “Happy belated birthday.”

“Ignacio decided to buy you a car and teach you how to drive,” Emil says, much to my surprise.

“What?” I ask, blinking rapidly. I will not cry because the asshole did something this nice for me. Absolutely not.

“Eh, it’s not that nice,” Mom grumbles as she walks inside, making me smile on the inside.

She will absolutely not be forgiving this boy anytime soon.

It’s a really fucking nice car.

“I wanted you to have a way to get places, and independence by teaching you how to drive,” Ignacio says softly. “If you want a different car?—”

“I don’t think that’s the point,” Emil murmurs. “This is a really large gift, Nacio. She’s not used to being spoiled. Especially not by you.”

“That’ll change,” Ignacio says confidently. “Just watch.”

He walks into the house after gazing at me as if he needs to memorize what I look like, reminding me of his recurrent thoughts.

“You okay?” Emil asks as I gaze helplessly at him.

“I don’t know what to say,” I admit, squeaking.

“You don’t need to say anything,” he says. “Just see where it goes. I don’t completely understand what’s going through his head, either. It’s frustrating as shit.”

Walking inside with him, I sigh as I pull my phone out, annoyed with myself.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

“I should schedule something with Barrett,” I tell him. “A lot has happened…”

“Are you nervous?” he asks, confused. “He’s not in a space to judge you. All of that was really fucked up.”

“I know, a part of me worries he still will,” I finally say truthfully.

“He won’t,” Emil practically growls.

It’s a miracle my therapist hasn’t quit already with how scary my stepfather is.

“I’ll call him if you’d like and set things up,” he adds. “Go get settled, maybe have a snack before dinner.”

Nodding, I bring my suitcase upstairs so I can go through it later. Right now, I want a shower and to change into comfortable lounge clothes.

“Hey Rachelle,” Ignacio says as I begin to walk past him. “Put your hamper out for me, will you?”

“Do you have a secret fetish for my dirty clothes?” I ask, wrinkling my nose. “I promise you they don’t smell good with all of the running I’ve been doing.”

“Really? You started running?” he asks, surprised. “That’s cool. Maybe I can go with you one morning. No, I’m asking because I’m doing laundry.”

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