Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 38562 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 193(@200wpm)___ 154(@250wpm)___ 129(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38562 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 193(@200wpm)___ 154(@250wpm)___ 129(@300wpm)
“Even if they weren't—which they will be—we’d get our own place. I’ve saved up a good amount of money working, but they will be okay with it. In fact, my mom will probably be overly happy about it,” he says with a smile.
That makes me smile. I love his mom.
“Only fight we might have is you sleeping in my room. Our room,” he corrects.
“Ren! I can’t sleep in your room.” I know they have a guest room. I just thought that’s where I’d be staying.
“See? The fight’s already started,” he says as he pulls the Jeep away from the curb. “Babe, you’ll be sleeping in my bed, and that's final.”
23
Ren
My dad and I sit facing one another in the living room as we look over at Lily and my mom in the kitchen. Lily was quiet through our talk, and my mom said she wanted to make her some tea. She took Lily’s hand and led her in there, mostly to give my dad and me time to talk, I think.
“I’d like to ask Lily to report this, Ren. I know she may not agree, but I think it would be good to document this in case he tries to come back around.”
I nod, thinking that me kicking the shit out of her dad probably wasn’t the brightest idea, but I’d go back and do it all over again. That fucker deserved it. But I want Lily to be safe, and I know he’s right. Having this reported to the police would be better than pushing it under the rug and having her dad come back with something later. I nod in agreement.
“Okay, good. I’ll call the police chief and have him come by the house so Lily can make a statement tonight. Bill is a good friend, so I’m sure he’ll check on things and make sure she’s okay.” He puts his elbows on his knees and gives me a thoughtful look. “You know, your mother and I are so proud of you, Ren.”
His words take me aback. When we came home and sat down to explain to them what happened, they were both quiet. They shared a silent look before my mom took Lily from the room, but I thought it was so my dad could have a talk with me. One where I’d end up in trouble. I know I’m eighteen and I’ve got enough money to get us a place, but I didn’t want my dad to be disappointed in me. I didn’t want to have to leave my parents’ house under a cloud.
“It took a lot of courage to stand up to him and to get her out of that situation. We’re happy that this is a safe place for her to stay, and she’s welcome as long as she wants. I know you both are serious about each other. I can see it because your mother and I were the same exact way.”
I nod, knowing it’s true. They’ve always been over-the-top in love and were never very good about being discreet with it.
“I want to ask something of you, man to man.”
“Okay,” I say.
“While she stays here, I’d like for her to stay in the guest room.” I start to protest, but he holds his hands up to continue. “You’ve got less than three months left before you graduate and you’re out from under our roof. I ask that you respect us and our home for that short time until you both go to college.”
“Dad. We’re both eighteen. I can get my own place.”
“I know, Ren. And you know that would break your mother’s heart. It’s your last few months before you leave this home forever. Save your money and stay here. Think about Lily and what she’s going through. This is a big change for her, and we want her to feel safe here. I think giving her her own space and respecting a little of her privacy will go a long way to smooth things over. I’m not forcing you, son. I’m asking you as a man to give her this time.”
I think about Lily and her situation, and I know my dad is right. She’s been through so much, and I don’t want to compound that with pressure about being in my bed. Even if it’s not about sex, she might not be ready for so much so fast. I don’t want to push her, and I want to make sure she’s happy here.
“Yes, sir. I can do that,” I say. It won't be easy knowing she’s so close, but I’ll do this for her. “Thank you for letting her stay here.”
“Ren, we’ve grown to love Lily, too. And knowing she was in danger there this whole time makes me sick. I’m just glad she’s here and we can all look out for her.”