Page 37 of Broken
Her mouth forms into an O before she rests against my chest again.
The ceremony takes forever. I swear I almost fell asleep during it. When the kids start to come up I thank God that it’s almost done. Once Mallory’s name is called I yell and clap loudly. Partly so she knows I’m here, the other part is to annoy the suits around us.
I’ve always been a shit starter and I’ve never fit into my family, this town, or my life.
When it’s over I take Izzy’s hand and go in search of Mallory. I find her talking to a few friends who she says goodbye to when she sees me. Running over, she jumps into my arms. I let go of Izzy to catch her. “I’m so happy you came!”
“Wouldn’t have missed it for anything.”
I put her down and that’s when she notices the woman standing beside me. “And who is this?”
“Mallory, this is my girl, Izzy. Izzy, this is my little sister, Mallory.” I wave my hand between the two of them.
“Ah! I can’t believe you finally have a girlfriend!” She pulls Izzy into a hug. “It’s so nice to meet you! I thought he’d be alone forever!”
“Thanks, sis,” I grumble.
“Mallory.” I hear my father’s voice behind me and stiffen.
“That’s my cue. I’ll see you later.” I move to walk away, but Mallory catches my arm.
“Stay, come out to lunch to celebrate with me.” Her eyes are big and pleading with me. She used to do this whenever we were little, and I couldn’t resist her.
I still can’t. “Fine. You’re lucky I love you. Text me the place and we’ll meet you there.”
I take Izzy’s hand and lead her back to the parking lot, not even acknowledging my parents’ presence. She keeps looking back, and I know she doesn’t get it. I’m sure she had been ready to greet them, but I wasn’t. Once we’re out of the building, she pulls her hand from mine. “You’re gonna rip my arm out of the socket.” She shakes it like it’s numb. “Mind telling me what all that was about?”
“Honestly? There is a whole lot of shit and history I don’t want to get into. Just know I left home for a reason, and that I apologize in advance for my parents being assholes.”
I pray that they don’t push me too far. I don’t want to lose it in front of her. I know that they will, though. It’s who they are. If you aren’t doing what they want you to, then you’re a failure.
I won’t let them impact my life anymore.
They won’t kill me like they did Trent.
