Page 63 of Saving Tracey
I shook my head, opening my mouth to tell her that my dad was out of prison, but I couldn't bring myself to say it. My throat closed up. I looked at Trevor, panicked.
He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close to him, and kissed the top of my head before he spoke. He looked up at Miss Brinson. "Her dad was released from prison, as you know, and she's terrified, to say the least." Miss Brinson nodded in understanding. "I know you love her and want to protect her, but—“
She cut him off, offering him a small smile. "You don't have to say anymore, Trevor. I understand.” We were both shocked. “You and Tracey have had a bond that has been unbreakable since the first time you two playedCall of Dutytogether in my living room. You have had eyes for her—and only her—since you met her. I want her safe, and I want her to be loved unconditionally. She deserves that after the hell she has suffered through. I just need to know that she's going to be protected and that you promise to love her and take care of her. If you can promise me that, then she can move."
Trevor nodded his head at her instantly. "Over my dead body will anyone touch her again."
She nodded, smiling at me. "Tracey, just remember, you are still one of my children, and you are welcome to come home anytime you want, okay?" Her smile was warm and genuine. My chest swelled.
I nodded, my throat closing up, my eyes filling with tears. She stood up and came around the table, her arms open for a hug. I got up also—and surprising not only myself, but her as well—I launched myself into her arms, hugging her tightly, letting a tear fall down my face.
All my life, I had just wanted a mother that loved me enough to do what was best for me, to love me unconditionally, and to put my needs before her own.
I finally had it.
My mom wasn't the woman currently sitting behind bars that let my asshole of a father beat me and rape me. My mom wasn't the woman who kept me in that situation all of my life.
My mom was the woman currently holding me in her arms,shhing me and telling me that I was going to be okay.
My mom was the woman that gave me a better life and let me know that I was capable of obtaining happiness.
She released me, kissing my cheek. "I am always just a phone call away, Tracey. And you call me anytime day or night if you need anything. And remember, you have a key to the house; you’re one of my kids—you never have to knock, sweetheart.”
I nodded at her, tears rushing down my cheeks as I smiled. She gave me one more final hug before she turned and walkedout of the restaurant. Trevor placed his hand on my lower back, and I slowly turned to face him when Angelina disappeared from my view. "Are you alright, baby?" He wiped some tears off my cheeks.
I nodded, giving him a small, watery smile, my throat still thick with emotions and tears. "I've got a mom," I whispered.
He smiled at me, pulling me into his arms. "Yes, baby, you do, and she will never give up on you."
I circled my arms around his waist, burrowing my face into his chest.
I was going to move on. I had people that cared about me. I had a real mom. I had a family that loved me. I had Trevor to stand beside me and hold my hand through all of my tough times.
I was going to be stronger than this. It would take time, but I would no longer allow my father to ruin my life any further.
Chapter Eighteen
Istared at the officer in front of me in disbelief. "What do you mean no one has seen him?" I asked him incredulously, the panic soaring through my body making my voice come out almost shrill.
The officer sighed, looking at me with sad eyes. "We're doing everything in our power to lock him back up because he came in contact with you, Miss Olive, but you and Mr. Gabriel are the only ones who have seen him."
"How in the fuck did he manage to get bail anyway?" Trevor snapped at the officer, grabbing my hands in his own and kissing my knuckles when he noticed they were beginning to tremble.
The officer shrugged. "We were all told the same thing that Tracey and Miss Brinson were told—that he would never get bail. I don't understand why the judge granted it to him, but not Tracey's mother."
I ripped my hands from Trevor's grip and stood up, walking toward the patio doors. "I need some air," I muttered when Trevor reached out to grab my wrist.
I flopped down onto one of the loungers by the pool and threw my arm over my eyes to block out the sun. It had been days since my dad had found me on the streets, and nobody but Gabriel and I had seen him. I didn't fucking understand it, and it had me on edge. Even Lucas could tell that something had been wrong with me the past couple of days.
My dad had to be staying with someone, but I had already told the officers the name of every associate and friend my parents had. Apparently, none of them had even known my dad had gotten bail, and from what the officer was saying, they were actually genuinely surprised.
I hated living in fear.
I had thought these days were going to be over with and put behind me.
"Hey, baby, you alright?" Trevor asked, sitting down on the concrete beside my lounger.
I sighed, turning my head to look at him, dropping my arm from my eyes. "Is this ever going to end?" I asked him softly, my exhaustion and fear seeping into my voice.
