“No. You know whoever was in it managed to get out. They are looking at neighbouring towns to see if they can pick up anything on their CCTV. And I’ve got no idea who the fuck Betty is.”
“Stop being mad,” I demand, running my thumb over the crease on the bridge of his nose. I giggle when his frown deepens. “So moody.”
Mum sniffles and steps back. “I’m going to make you a drink and something to eat.”
“I’m not hungry,” I groan, the room spinning around me.
Dad takes a seat next to me, covering me with the blanket. “I’m so angry with you right now. You should have told us about the notes and about going there today.”
“I didn’t know we were going to be chased. And I told Mum on Monday.”
He turns to my mum, who pauses at the door. “I didn’t know about this note.”
He sighs, turning back to me. “You’re taking years off my life, Charlie.”
I burst into tears. “I’m sorry, Dad. I really am. I just wanted to make it better.”
“Make what better?”
“All of it. I wanted to prove I’m not a disappointment, that I could handle myself,” I explain, ducking my head. I can’t say what I want to without giving so much away. But Drew is the reason I want justice. He made me see that what happened wasn’t normal or okay. It wasn’t just a bad case of sex with Scott.
Sex with Drew really changed my life. My eyes widen as a smile spreads across my face.
It was really good sex.
“Charlotte, you are never a disappointment. We aren’t disappointed or angry. You’re a grown woman who is capable of making her own choices. We were angry on your behalf, devastated that this happened to our loving, caring daughter.”
“I’m scared that he’s out there and none of us know where. We don’t even know if Scott’s his real name.”
“Why didn’t you tell us this?” he asks, his voice gentle.
I’m not sure why I’m telling them now. “Because I didn’t want you to worry.”
I already told them about our visit with April and about her sister. I even told them about Marlene. They aren’t happy I kept it from them at all.
Mum sniffles as she walks back inside, dropping a sandwich and a drink on the table. “I told you not to go today. I said it was a bad idea.”
“We were visiting a friend. I know you want to protect me but none of us could have predicted what happened.”
“I’m sorry,” Mum whispers. “I was just so scared when we received the phone call.”
I force a smile. “It’s okay.”
Before Dad can go into it again, there’s banging at the front door. Dad gets up. “From that bang, it can only be one person.”
I nod, cuddling into the fluffy pink pillow Mum hands me. I beam wide, stretching the bruise across my cheek. Ouch. “It’s my favourite person. Landon.”
Mum comes to sit on the edge of the table in front of me. “You need to try and eat something.”
“I think we should go out and eat.”
“Honey, you need to rest. Eat the sandwich.”
I pout. “I think I feel sick.”
She chuckles as she tucks the blanket around me. “At least try.”
Landon barges into the front room, sweat beading at his forehead. I wave, giving him a lopsided grin. “Did you run here?”
“Why did you not say anything?” he asks, pacing back and forth. “You knew I was looking for him.”
“I wasn’t looking for him,” I reply, getting dizzy. “We don’t even know this was him.”
“Of course it was him,” he yells, causing my temples to pulse. He grimaces at my wince. “Sorry.”
Hayden walks in and following behind is pretty much my entire family, including my brother. Jacob’s eyes widen at the sight of me. “Fucking hell.”
“Language,” Mum scolds.
“You guys,” I cry out. “I love you guys.”
Hayden eyes her brother. “You better not be giving her shit,” she warns.
He spins to face her, glaring. “This fucking sicko has been hurting her and you expect me to wish her well and a speedy recovery? Fuck that shit!”
I giggle, turning to Mum. “He swore.”
Hayden, used to this, rolls her eyes. “And what are you going to achieve by acting like this? Do you think you’ll find him quicker if you treat her like shit?”
“He’s not treating me like shit,” I interrupt. “He’s taking me to Disneyland.”
“Not now,” they both warn me.
Hayden pauses, eyeing her brother. “You’re taking her to Disneyland? Is that wise after what happened the last time?”
“I’m not taking her to fucking Disneyland,” he argues. “And what do you suggest I do? I’ve been searching everywhere for any leads on this guy and have found none and now she’s hurt yet again because of him.”
My lip trembles. “Why won’t anyone take me to Disneyland?”
“Honey,” Mum soothes.
What he said registers. “We don’t know this was Scott,” I declare.
“Not now,” Jacob tells me. “I wouldn’t mind knowing why you didn’t call me.”
I tap my chin. “There wasn’t enough room in the car for one, and I didn’t think you’d appreciate hanging out with four hot women.”
He looks at me like I’ve pissed in his shoe. “I’m male. And I heard they are dancers. Why wouldn’t I want to hang out with them?”
“Well, next time I have a girl’s night in, I’ll remember to invite you,” I offer, smiling. It’s been a long time since we hung out. “We could even give you a facemask. Men get them all the time.”
Aiden snorts. “Dude!”
Jacob doesn’t bother to hide his grimace. “Yeah, I’m good, but anything to do with this and I want to be there.”
“You don’t want to hang out with me?”
His mouth gapes open and he looks to the others. “Um, we’re hanging out now?”
I lean up, patting his cheek. “Yes, yes we are.” When I notice everyone staring, I exhale. “I didn’t ask for this to happen.”
“But you should have told us what was going on,” Landon yells.
“Don’t yell at her,” Hayden snaps.
“I’m going to fucking kill him,” he growls, stepping back. “I’m going to find the cupcakes that are meant to be the shit.”
“They were so good,” Mum compliments.
“So good,” I sing, leaning back against the cushions. “Maybe I should make more.”
Mum gently pushes me back down. “Rest.”
Max, who has been quiet until now, shoves his son into the door before racing out of the room.
“My cupcakes,” he argues.
Hayden sits down next to Mum while she fills in the rest of the family on what happened. I’m still surprised everyone fits into my small front room.
“Next time, invite me. I’m your girl, remember. I’ve got you. And I’ll totally cut his dick off and feed it to him.”
I force a timid smile. “You say the nicest things to me. I want to be more like you,” I gush.