Page 18 of Between Never and Forever
She doesn’t answer.
“Savannah.”
Still nothing.
So, I make a dumb decision. I grab her by the forearm and jerk her to a stop. We both stumble back a bit from the force of it, and then she whirls on me, shoving my chest hard enough that I topple back on my butt.
“I don’t want to talk to you,” she seethes, and I pop back up on my feet quickly.
“Why the heck not? You said we were friends—”
“Friends don’t tattle,Leviti—”
“I didn’t tattle,” I shout. “You were going to die! I did what I had to do to keep you safe.”
“Oh, that’s great.” She laughs, but it’s mean. “Yeah, because Barbara and Ted are so much better.”
“Bet they don’t get drunk and kick you in the stomach,” I spit out.
She shakes her head, then forces her voice to a low, angry whisper.
“You know I gotta ask permission to use the bathroom? They keep it locked up, and when they let me go, one of ‘em stands right by the door. I’m not even allowed to shut it, you know that? Same with when I shower. No privacy at all.”
The news shocks me, but before I can say anything, she steps closer and gives my shoulder a shove.
“Same with food and drinks. Everything is under lock and key at that damn place. Like they think I’m gonna steal it or something. They trashed all my things—all of ‘em, everything—and only let me wear these damned ugly dresses. They practically tied me up so they could cut my damn hair. And they lock me in my bedroom from 7:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.”
She shoves me again, harder this time.
“I’m fuckin’lockedin there. I can’t come out for anything. Not foranything, Levi. Not even to pee.”
Her eyes are wild as they scan my face, her teeth are gritted tight. I don’t understand. Why would Mr. and Mrs. Oglesby have such weird, strict rules? They watch her go to the bathroom? They watch her shower...?
No way.
No.
But it has to be better than before. Right?
“But you’re not in danger anymore,” I force out. “No one’s beating on you or anything. I got you out. You’re safer now.”
“Levi,” she says, closing her eyes tight, “I just traded one hell for another. That’s it. It’s just another hell, but now I don’t know my way around this one. I’m blind, ya know? You didn’t save me, youblindedme.”
“I’ll tell my dad.” She shoves me again.
“No! God, Levi, just freakin’ stop. I’m not even supposed to be talkin’ to you anyways. Just stay out of my life right now, okay?”
“What do you mean you’re not supposed to be talking to me?”
She drags her palm down her face and sighs.
“Your wonderful, Jesus-lovin’ momma said that if I don’t leave you alone, she’ll have Denton arrest me for assaultin’ Terry. Said I could be charged with attempted murder or assault with a weapon or some bullshit.”
My jaw drops.
“She wouldn’t do that.” I say it even though I know it’s not true. My mom would do it. I’m not surprised at all.
“It’s whatever,” Savannah says with a roll of her eyes. “I got a plan, anyways.”
