Page 19 of The Road Less Traveled By

“Yes, you did, Bree.”Damn. I’m caught.“How are you doing with everything? Have you been talking to Dr. Anna lately?”

“Yes, I have. I’m afraid she might block my phone number if I keep calling her.” It’s funny, but the truth. I’ve talked to her every single day, sometimes even twice. It barely helps, but if I don't talk about it with her, it’ll fester. Sometimes, it’s easier to talk to a complete stranger about how my life is falling apart rather than someone I know.

“It’s good that you’re getting it all out. Are you taking care of yourself? Are you eating enough? Tristan can wrap up some leftovers for you totake—”

I cut her off; Liv’s a rambler when she’s nervous, and in a minute she might start pacing. “Liv, I’m fine. I’m making do. Having Vince around has helped. He got me a new security system.”

“So why do you sound like you’re not sleeping? You better not be working out all night like you used to. I swear, you left tread marks on the floor at the old house from how much you used the treadmill. It’s not healthy, Bree.”

Speaking of our old house…“Have you talked to our parents lately?” I ask, wondering if they’ve tried to reach out to her. It’s been radio silence on my end, and I’m fine with that.

“Nope, and I don't plan on it. They don't deserve to hear about my successes that they never believed in.”

“Damn right.” I smile, happy for my sister finally standing up for herself. My parents always knew how I felt—smothered and angry at them for their actions—but Liv was never one who stood up for herself. She deserved to let them have it after what they did to her and Tristan.

Liv’s practically been my parent since I could remember. She always takes care of me, and I know if she decides to have kids of her own, she’ll make a great mom.

“Bree, I want you to know I’ll always be here for you. I know I don't really understand what you’re going through, but if you just need someone to sit with you while you’re having a hard time, I can do that. Just call me, and I’ll be there.”

Emotion clogs up my throat, and all I can do is nod. “I haven't been sleeping. My noise machine and the night light don't help anymore. Knowing he’s out there is fucking with my head. I always feel like someone’s watching me while I sleep, and I can't shake the feeling that he’s right around the corner.”

“Vince stays in your house, right?”

“Yeah, he’s down the hall.”

“And how does that make you feel?” she asks, a hint of something in her voice.

“Safer, but I still can't shake the feeling. It eats away at me like a tapeworm.”

Liv comes over to where I stand against her bookshelf and grabs my hands. “It’s okay to feel how you’re feeling. You don't need to be on all the time. You’re allowed to crack and break apart as long as you trust that those who love you will be there to piece you back together.”

Tears start to fall as what she says invades my bones. “Thanks, Liv.” I take what she says into consideration, but I know there’s no use. I’ve always been hard on myself, and this is no different. I still grapple with what Ralph did to me since it could've been worse, but that doesn't change that I’m still a victim of something horrible. Nothing I can do will erase that night from my memory.

“Promise you’ll talk to me if it gets hard. I want to be there for you, Bree, but I can’t do that if you’re not being honest with me.” She holds her pinky out, and I take it, solidifying the promise.

“I’ll try my best.”

“That’s all I ask.”

A few light knocks on the door make both of our heads turn. Tristan pops in, holding onto the door. “Livvy, the sun is setting. I’m forcing everyone onto the porch if you guys want to join.”

“We’ll be right out.” She smiles at him as I try to discreetly wipe the tears from my eyes. Liv’s hand stays in mine as she pulls me onto their front porch, five chairs already set up where there’s normally two. My sister and Tristan have this tradition where they watch the sunset every night. It’s a cute thing they started back in college, and whenever we all get together at night, they make us join.

Well, they don't force us, but sometimes it’s nice to watch the day end when you know another is going to begin.

I sit down in my chair, Teags to my left, Vince to my right. I tap his shoulder. “Did you survive?”

“Yeah. I think I like Tristan.”

Oh, wow.“Really?” I wasn't expecting that. Vince doesn't reallylikepeople. He tolerates them, which is why I was so surprised to hear he and Nico created a business together.

“Yeah. He’s fine.”

I drop it because that’s all I’ll get out of him tonight. When I watch the sun set in the sky, I hope to have more nights like this one in my future.

But that feeling in my gut won’t go away. The fear will always creep back in just when I start to finally feel okay again.

Chapter nine

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