Page 81 of Out of the Dark

I take a deep breath and continue while my father is still stunned into silence. "And I’m not ungrateful, either. I appreciate that you and Mom gave us a comfortable life, but I also don’t think it was fair that your children all had to live in fear of your anger or the constant threat of going to Hell if wedid something wrong. I’m sure you did your best with what you were given, especially living in this environment, but I’m also allowed to have my own feelings about how I’ve been treated."

My father looks like he’s about to explode in a fit of rage, but I can tell he’s warring between telling me off and keeping up appearances in front of the strangers at his doorstep. He settles on asking through gritted teeth, "What about your sister? You’re going to leave and let her marry Mr. Davidson after all?"

All eyes turn to Grace. There they go again, using her as a pawn in their game of guilt-tripping instead of treating her like an actual human. I make eye contact with her, letting her make her own decision in the matter, but I give her a subtle nod to let her know I’m here for her.

Her voice is soft but determined when she finally speaks. "I’m leaving too."

"You most certainly are not," my father hisses.

I subtly lift my hand and hold it out to her, and she walks past my father to stand beside me. I couldn’t be more proud of her than I am right now.

"Grace, please," my mom pleads. "Don’t leave us too."

Grace gives her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Mom."

"So you’re not only leaving behind your parents, but you’re corrupting your sister in the process?" I’ve never seen so much raw hatred in my father’s eyes. "You’ll burn in Hell for this."

I shrug. "Then I guess that’s a chance I’m willing to take. If I’m going to hell for living a life of love, happiness, and freedom, then I don’t want the alternative. Especially when it involves constant guilt and fear. I’m done with the bullshit, Dad."

My mom gasps at the curse word leaving my mouth, and I almost laugh at the idea of her finding out everything else I’ve said and done over the past few months.

Dad is still silent.

Mark, who has let me say my piece without interruption, finally steps forward. "So, here’s what’s going to happen. Claire and Grace are going to go in the house with Dani, gather the things they need, and put them in the car. Shane and I are going to stand here and keep you two company—" he points at my parents "—while they get their belongings."

Dad scoffs. "You’re going to keep me out of my own house?"

Mark crosses his arms over his massive chest and smirks, towering six inches or so over my father. "Only for as long as it takes the ladies to be ready. No harm done, right?"

God, I could kiss him right now. Seeing him so easily put my father in his place and keep his cool while doing it makes me love him that much more. A man who can handle tense situations without using anger or violence, even when he easily could resort to those things, is way more attractive than I would have thought.

Grace and I head into the house with Dani trailing behind us. I grab a few things from my room that I hadn’t taken with me the first time I left, but most of my time is spent helping Grace grab her things and shove them into bags. Dani helps where she can, and while the two of them begin carrying stuff out to the car, I go into Dad’s office and take Grace’s legal documents.

On my way out of the house, I look back and take it in, knowing I’ll probably never be back here again. I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye last time, but for as much stress this life has caused me, a lot of good memories happened in thishouse. Playing hide and seek with my siblings, spending calm evenings knitting beside my mother, even listening to my father’s voice as he read to us when he wasn’t angry.

Every moment, both good and bad, led me to this moment, and I can’t bring myself to regret any of it. I’m leaving my old home and settling into my new one, knowing that the possibilities of my future are limitless. It’s bittersweet, leaving my old life behind while seeing what lies ahead.

I say a silent goodbye to the home I’ve spent my life in and head outside to where Shane and Mark are standing.

"I think we’re ready to go."

Mark nods, stepping away enough to give me space to say goodbye, and Shane walks toward the car.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye." Looking at each of my parents, I study their expressions. Tears run down Mom’s face, and Dad’s arms are crossed as he scowls. Mom opens her arms, and I hug her.

"I love you, Claire."

"I love you too, Mom. If you ever decide to forgive me, you have my email. But please, don’t try to guilt trip me again. This is what’s best for me. And for Grace."

She nods against my shoulder and whispers, "I hope you’re right," then lets me go. I stand there for another moment, waiting to see if my dad says anything, but he doesn’t. He stares off into the distance still looking every bit as angry and bitter as he did before.

"Bye, Dad."

He grunts in acknowledgment, but he doesn’t even make eye contact. I guess that’s that, then.

Dani, Grace, and I squeeze into the back of the car with me in the middle while Mark takes the driver’s seat.

"Everyone all buckled in?" he asks, turning around andflashing me a grin. God, I love him.

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