Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 73153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
I gave him a small smile, not knowing what to say. Trevor had a habit of leaving me speechless.
I twisted my fingers in my lap as I sat between Trevor and Dale at the table, Miss Brinson and Glenda on the other side of the table, Miss Brinson situated right across from me.
I was nervous, to say the least. I was being selfish. Kaleb's mom had bent over backward to provide for me and make me welcome into her home, and yet I was just running away from all that she had offered me.
"Tracey," Angelina said gently, making my eyes snap up to meet hers, “is this what you really want?"
I wanted to be by Trevor's side. He made me feel safe and protected, and I felt like nothing would happen to me with him constantly there by my side. It didn’t mean that I didn’t feel safe at her home, because I did, but there was just a kind of security I got being around Trevor that I couldn’t find anywhere else.
I nodded, swallowing nervously. Hurt flickered across her expression for a quick second, but she quickly smothered it. I hated seeing that hurt look cross her eyes. I knew she loved me as one of her own children, and I hated doing this to her.
"Did Kaleb scare you that much, sweetie?"
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 played Call of Duty together 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 walked out 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.