Page 111 of Damaged Prince
My attention darts over to Winter, her eyes filled with tears, too, as she watches the father and son duo.
“I need to tell you something,” Eli croaks as he pulls back from his father’s hug. “Something I should have told you a long time ago.”
“Okay?” James’s eyes search his.
“I... I don’t want to relive this more than once,” he whispers, eyes flicking over to me, fear in his eyes.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I beg him. “I never want you to fear me, Eli. I promise you, baby, whatever it is, I’m not going anywhere. I won’t see you any differently,” I tell him, knowing whatever he’s about to say is the trauma from his past that he’s been avoiding. I can feel it in my bones, and I’m fucking terrified. But I meant it.
I have an idea what it is, and it didn’t change how I thought of him then, and it won’t change how I think of him now.
Eli tells his dad he wants to speak to an officer. Once their lawyer arrives, they all head towards the back to talk.
“Wait,” Eli says. “I want Laney there, too.”
James looks from me to Eli. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” he whispers. “I need her right now. I don’t think I can do this without her.”
I’m over to him in the blink of an eye, taking his hand in mine. “I’m here, baby. Right here.”
He gives me a stiff nod.
We head to a big room, where everyone is sitting around the table.
“All right, son,” a male officer says, pen and paper ready to go. “Whenever you're ready.”
Eli looks around the room, eyes stopping on every person before lingering on mine. I can see the fear in them, but I give him an encouraging smile. My boy is brave. So fucking brave. I just didn’t know how brave he really was until now.
He swallows hard, clearing his throat. “It started back when I was ten.”
And those were the words that fucking killed me.
***
Two hours later, we’re being guided from the back room, the officer letting us know he was grateful for Eli’s confession and will be in touch.
Eli officially pressed charges on his abusers, and there was now going to be a case opened against them.
Eli squeezes my hand. I look up at him and smile, letting him know for the millionth time I’m not going anywhere. That’s what he said in that room wasn’t going to scare me away.
And it won't.
But it will haunt me for the rest of my life.
I’m just barely keeping it together, my insides shattered as I keep my brave face on for Eli. He needs me. My strength. I can’t break down. Not now.
When we get back out to the waiting room, the look Winter gives me nearly rips me open.
She knew all these details for years. And all I want to do is give her a hug. I don’t blame her for not telling anyone. Eli said he begged her not to. Winter was just a kid herself.
“Eli. Would you be okay if we went to the lawyer’s office?” James asks his son, his voice soft. James' eyes are red and puffy. I’ve never seen a grown man cry so hard in my life.
I will never forget the way James held Eli while the two of them broke apart together.
“Can Laney come?” Eli’s hand grips mine.
“Not for this.”
