Page 46 of Possessed By You
“It’s not.”
“This is truly the most unattractive you have ever been,” I snap, yanking my hand from his skin like he’s burned me. Instead of remorse, I’m overcome with blistering anger. “Don’t do it for me, Ben. I’ve lived my entire life trying to remember my father and forget my uncle. The last thing I want for this child is a father who doesn’t want it.”
His head snaps to me, paling at the comparison. At the sweeping horror that crosses over his features, which he quickly replaces with impassiveness to disguise how greatly my words sting, I experience a tinge of regret.
He’s focused on the road, the traffic plowing across the intersection while we wait for the light to change. I keep opening my mouth to say something, disturbed by his silence, but can’t find words. I’ve injured him and I know it. It’s rare when I manage to do that, which makes me realize how greatly my comparison holds meaning for him.
In many ways, Benjamin knows my uncle more than I ever did. I lived with him, endured his abuse. I had no idea why he hated me so much. Benjamin knows why, which is something he’s never divulged to me. I have no desire to hear it either.
To compare him to that is cruel and untrue. And I’m instantly full of remorse.
“Ben…”
I look at him, prepared to take it all back. His gaze is on the rearview mirror.
It all happens so fast.
The way Benjamin’s face slumps with disbelief and then true horror.
The way the car shoots forward without a single nudge to the accelerator, the deafening crunch of an impact surging us into drive, and into oncoming traffic.
The way his arm shoots out to shield me, throwing me back into my seat.
Just like that, the world goes black.
