Page 73 of Chase

“We?” I ask with a hint of humour in my voice.

“Yes, we smart ass. I’ve already apologised and explained myself. I’m not doing it again.” Rhys grumbles.

I can’t help but laugh.

It’s obvious Rhys doesn’t apologise often. He’ll likely deny this conversation ever happened.

“Stop laughing. This isn’t funny.”

“It kind of is. I didn’t think you’d be the first one to get me alone,” I tell him, while getting my laughter under control.

“Me neither, but I’m glad that I am. I’ve wanted to tell you that I knew, I just didn’t want to freak you out.”

“You know they are all going to be pissed when they find out?” I ask. I’m not sure that’s true. They may be mad for a moment before they’ll understand why he kept it from them.

It’s not his secret to tell.

“I know, but they’ll understand why. You better answer that.” He says nodding at my phone that started to vibrate across the wooden table. Chase’s name flashes on the screen. “I’ll leave you to it. I’ll see you soon Yasmin,” he says as he makes a quick retreat back towards the school.

I don’t even hesitate. I answer the call.

“Hello.”

“Pretty Girl, you scared me.” He’s voice blankets me and I know I’m not going to be able to stay away from him for long.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chase

This week has been hell.

I’m exhausted.

I busted my ass.

But it’s been worth it.

I got offered the apprenticeship and I can’t wait to tell everyone.

I want to tell them in person.

I messaged Yasmin as often as I could this week. Everyone kept me updated and she even called me one morning at four a.m. because she had a night terror. She was apologetic for waking me. But honestly her calling gave me the push that I needed. As soon as I’m showered, I’m going to her house and I’m not letting her push me away.

I need to hold her.

I walk in the front door and stop when I hear voices in the kitchen. I immediately recognise Yasmin’s Dad’s voice.

“I don’t know how to help her Nat,” he says. “She freaks out at the smallest of things. It’s no way to live her life. This week’s been hard for me. I know in the past I was never home to notice but this week, she’s like a shell of a person. She’s not sleeping. I hear her wake up screaming. I didn’t even know she had night terrors.” His voice waivers. He was an asshole the last time he was here. It’s obvious something has changed.

“You know her night terrors stopped when she was here?” Mum asks him.

“No, really?”

“Yeah, Chase told me she used to get them every night. But while she was with him, they stopped. I don’t know what happened in the past, but I do know that both her and Chase are better together. The whole group is. They’re good kids David. You have to trust Yasmin and trust them. I don’t think this is something you can get her through. I think it might be better to let them do it,” Mum tells him with a firm voice. I love that she doesn’t let him walk all over her.

“I know you’ve been trying this week, but one week isn’t going to make up for the years that you’ve been absent. Both the girls are pretty much adults. They don’t need you; they’ve shown you that. Show them that you’re there when they do need you without pushing. Let them come to you.”

“I just want them to be happy. Especially Yasmin.”

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