Page 51 of Don't Puck Him

Finally, during a study session in the solarium, I can’t hold it in any longer. If I’m to be Wren’s protector, in good days and bad, this has got to include her knowing about her real dad.

I look up from a textbook I'm not reading.

“Wren?”

“Yeah,” she answers me, but her eyes are still reading.

“No, Wren. Sit up and listen to me. I have something important to tell you.”

Right away, Wren hears the tone in my voice and drops her book, staring at me with big doe eyes. “Okay. I’m listening.”

I slide my chair closer, and I retell the tale as Cash had told it to me. I see Wren’s expression go from sober curiosity to shock to anger and disgust. I know there’s nothing I can do to soften the blow.

“My mother? And him? David?”

“Yes, Wren. It’s confirmed.”

“My mother, damn her!”

“Shush. Keep your voice down, or we’ll be kicked out.”

Wren nods, but her face is red with fury. She slams shut all her books and shoves them into her knapsack. Study time is obviously over, so I do the same, but with less aggression. More sadness than anything else for my devastated Wren.

“How could she? A huge lie like that? I’ve always known she was cunning and selfish, but this?”

I nod once and purse my lips. There’s not another word I can add to better the cause.

Wren’s eyes go from rage to a second shock. “Oh, Hunter. Cash.”

“What about Cash?”

“It explains everything, doesn’t it? His behavior towards me.”

“Yeah, pretty much. I’m sorry, Wren. You should know Cash wanted me to not say a word. He didn’t want you to be hurt. I know he can be a fucking jerk, but he has a heart, too. It’s sometimes hard to find it, that’s all.”

Wren sighs. “Hunter, I don’t know what to say or do or think, even.”

“I know. It’s going to take some time. Maybe sit with it and mull it over before you make any decisions. I don’t think their hasty decisions should be a catalyst for yours, you know?”

“Yeah. Hunter, walk me back to my dorm, please. I have a scorching headache. I want to lie down.”

“Sure, doll. C’mon. Let’s go.”

And so arm in arm I walk her back. I wave goodbye and I watch as she goes through the doors.

All the way home, I kick myself for telling her, but I’m more pissed at the people who have hurt my Wren. The pain they’ve caused with their selfishness while I’m devoting my life to see she’s emotionally pain free. It’s enough to make me want to bundle her up, hold her in my arms, and never let her go.

27

WREN

My cell phone rings. I see Hunter’s name flash across the screen.

“Hey, baby. What’s up?”

“Not much.” I know my voice is bad. It’s scratchy from all the crying I’ve been doing. I try sounding upbeat for Hunter. It doesn’t work.

“What’s wrong?”

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