Page 170 of Redeemed

“If you can handle the pressure, then so can I,” she states confidently.

I’d be proud of her, but I’d prefer her confidence be directed at other areas of her life, not how large of a workload she can take on.

“That’s different,” I grit out.

“Oh? Why?”

“Because—”

Because I’ve sacrificed so much so you wouldn’t have to feel this way.

Because I’m the one who’s supposed to bear all the burdens.

“I don’t know, it just is, okay? You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone.”

She hides her wince by glancing away. “That’s not what I’m doing.”

“Rora—”

“How’s your friend? The one who needed the anxiety meds?”

“She’s… fine.”

“That doesn’t sound too convincing.”

“She’llbefine. We’re working on it.”

“Does she need more meds? I have plenty.”

I shake my head. “I don’t think she’s had to take any more. But speaking of, why did you stop taking them? What changed?”

“I just found… other coping strategies.”

“Like?”

“Things that work.”

“Aurora.”

“I can handle myself, Lucas. I’m a grown ass adult.”

“You’re nineteen,” I say flatly.

“Ugh, not you, too. Why can’t you just let me live my life?!”

“Because I don’t want you to end up in the hospital again,” I snap, my fists clenching under the table.

I regret my words instantly. The hurt on Aurora’s face is the same it was when I was at my most desperate. It was a mistake, yelling at her to try to get her to eat. It was the closest I’ve ever gotten to acting like our father, and I’ve despised myself for it ever since.

She needed my support, and I gave her my anger. I betrayed her. So when I came to my senses, I pledged to never be the reason for the pain in her eyes ever again. And fuck, it’s not like she wanted to end up in the hospital at the age of sixteen, dehydrated and malnourished. She was a kid. She’d been pressured. Manipulated. Misled.

It wasn’t her fault.

With a sigh, I reach across the table and take Aurora’s hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t come here to fight. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

“I am, I promise.” She squeezes gently before pulling away. “Thanksgiving break is almost here, and I promise I’ll give myself some time to chill.”

“Good. Everything okay at the house?”

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