Page 17 of Redemption

He eyes the brochure like it’s coated in anthrax and releases a big sigh. “Yeah, Pres. I’ll think about it.”

I hand it to him and lift on my toes to place a kiss on his lips. “I love you.”

He pulls me into his strong arms and rests his chin on the top of my head. “I love you too, darlin’. More than anything.”

Chapter Twelve

Presley

“Come sit down, honey. I made your favorites: banana chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, and hash browns.”

I slowly make my way into the kitchen and take a seat at the table. My stomach rumbles when my mom sets a heaping plate before me. I inhale the delicious aroma for just a moment before pushing it away.

“Do you by chance have any scrambled egg whites or turkey bacon?”

My mother frowns. “I could manage the egg whites, but the only bacon we have is the kind sitting right in front of you. What’s the matter? Do you not like pancakes anymore?”

I don’t know. I haven’t had pancakes in over a decade because my personal trainer had me on a strict low-calorie, low-carb diet. If my size zero pants got a little snug, he dropped my calorie allowance even further, tacking on an extra forty-five minutes of cardio to my workout.

“Um... no, it’s not that. It’s just, I...”

“It’s just what, honey? Eat up. You’re wasting away. I haven’t seen you this small in... well, probably not since you had your first period.” She gestures to my clothing. “You were tiny in high school, and yet, you’re practically swimming in that outfit.”

I sigh. When I dug through the dresser for some old clothes, I was shocked when I saw all the size fours. People used to tell me I was too skinny back then. I can’t imagine what they’d say if they saw me now. I don’t know why I’m making such a big deal out of it, anyway. It’s just one meal. I slide the plate closer to me, pick up a fork, and take a tentative bite.

“Oh, my God,” I mumble around a mouthful of heaven.

My mama preens. “See? They can’t be all that bad if they put that smile on your face.”

Was I smiling? I reach up to touch my cheek but think better of it when I feel how swollen it is.

My mom takes the seat across from me with a sigh. “Talk to me, Presley. Please. This is killing your daddy and me.”

I finish chewing before speaking again. “Where is Dad anyway?”

“He had business up in Macon. He didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye, but you were taking so long in the shower, and I thought maybe it would be easier for you to open up if it were just the two of us. Now, tell me what happened, sweetheart. Who did this to you?”

I take another bite, stalling as long as I can. Unfortunately, after only five bites, my stomach can’t handle any more food.

I can’t bear to see the look in her eyes when I say it, so I carefully study the tabletop. “Sebastian. Sebastian did this.”

She doesn’t say a word, so I finally look up and meet her tear-filled eyes. “Has he... done this before?”

“Never this bad, but... yeah. Quite a few times.”

“How long, Presley?” she croaks. “How long has he been puttin’ his hands on you?”

I hang my head in shame. “Almost the whole time.”

My mom gasps. “Oh, baby, why didn’t you say anything?”

I lift my good shoulder. “I was scared. And ashamed.”

“I’m going to kill that son of a bitch if your daddy or brother don’t get to him first.”

I shake my head. “No, Mama. You have to promise not to do anything. Not to say anything. I know you have to tell Dad, but I just want this to go away. I just want to move on with my life.”

“How can you say that? You can’t let him get away with this, Presley! I find it hard to believe you’d even consider it. I raised you to stand up for yourself.”

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