Page 68 of Chase

“It’s okay Mills. I wouldn’t change it for the world. How about we have a movie day?” I ask, trying to cheer her up. It’s true I had to grow up to look after Millie. I missed out on being a teenager and having a life. I just pushed away my friends. I don’t know how to do this. But I do know that once I figure it out, that my friends will be there for me. I just need to let them in.

“Sounds good. Chase said they were giving you some space. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, it will be. I got upset and said some hurtful things. I’m working through it all. It’s not their fault. It’s mine.”

“They’re good for you Yas, you smile and laugh more when you are with them. It’s like you are no longer carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. They help you in a way I never could. Don’t freeze them out for long.”

I let Millie’s words sink in. She’s right. They make me happy and help carry some of my burdens without me even realising that is what they’re doing. “I won’t. Wanna Facetime Smalls before we get some breakfast?” I ask. I miss seeing his smiling face, and I know a good chat with him will help break through the mood I’m in.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chase

I miss her.

It takes everything in me to not pick up the phone and call her.

I know everyone is right when they told me to give her some space. I know she didn’t mean the things she said. I just don’t understand why she flew off the handle like she did. Something happened, I know that much.

I’ve seen how she gets jumpy when someone touches her.

I’ve watched her panic in crowds.

I’ve even seen her space out like she is re-living something in her head.

She says she doesn’t get night terrors when she stays with me. I wonder how she slept last night.

Arden walks into the kitchen and throws his keys at me.

“She’s all ready to go. Look after my baby.” He says while pouring himself a cup of coffee and sitting at the table with me. “The hotel is all booked. Same one we stayed at when we were in New Hope last. Everything is settled. Just bill all your meals to your room.”

“Thanks.” Earlier this morning I got a call from Doc’s Body Shop in New Hope asking if I could come up for a few days trial to see if I’d be a good fit for the apprenticeship for next year.

“Are you sure now’s a good time to leave?” Arden asks.

“I don’t really have a choice. Doc’s is my first choice. I need to do this. Plus, if I’m an hour away I’ll be less likely to bang down her door. You were the one who told me to give her some space.”

“I wasn’t expecting you to run away,” he responds.

“I’m not running. I’m planning for our future. I can’t rely on you to support us forever,” I tell him. I know Arden expects nothing in return. He just wants us all to be together and to be happy. He’d happily continue to support us. But at some point, we need to be able to stand on our own.

“I’d happily support you forever. I could be your sugar daddy,” Arden jokes, causing me to choke on my coffee.

“I’ll pass.”

“I’m joking, kind of. But I know what you mean. I know I have the money behind me, but I’d like to start earning my own. I’ll never run out of money, especially with all the trust funds set up, but I’d like to invest and create my own wealth. Separate from my family’s name,” Arden says honestly.

I know this. We’ve spoken about it in depth. Arden may like to throw cash around on stupid things sometimes, but his record keeping is immaculate. He plans on paying his dad back one day. It may take him twenty years, but he’s determined to do it. I believe if anyone can, it’ll be Arden.

“Look out for her while I’m gone?” I ask, even though I already know the answer. Yasmin is family. They’ll all have eyes on her.

“As if you even need to ask. Are you going to tell her?”

“I don’t know. Should I?”

“Yes. Don’t let her find out when you don’t show up for school tomorrow. Don’t be a dick,” Arden says.

“Okay, do you need a lift home?”

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