Never Talk to Strangers by T. L. Hanigan

Author:T. L. Hanigan [Hanigan, T. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-02-16T06:00:00+00:00

Six

Sleepover

At dinner, no one said a word.

I picked at my food, not really interested in eating. Nick kept giving me concerned glances, but each time I’d give him a small smile in hopes of giving him reassurance that I was fine. Even though I wasn’t, I didn’t want anyone to worry about me anymore than what they already had been.

“This is really good.” Danny finally spoke up, shoveling the lasagna into his mouth. “Thank you for dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Key.”

Mom smiled. “Thank you, Danny. I’m glad you like it.”

“You’re welcome, anytime.” Dad added.

They went on talking, but I wasn’t listening. All I could hear was muffled, happy voices around me. My stomach twisted in a funny way. “May I be excused, please?” Glancing around, I found that everyone was looking at me. Only then did I realize that I had been the person that spoke up.

My parents exchanged looks before Dad nodded. “Yeah, that’s fine.”

“Thanks.” Getting up, I carefully wrapped up my food, putting it in the fridge. Going upstairs to my room, I shut the door, slumping to the floor. Letting out a long, shaky breath, I wrapped my arms around my legs. Looking around my bedroom, I had never felt so safe in this house than I did right now; I was so thankful that Eli didn’t know where I lived.

Someone softly knocked on my door, causing me to jump. “Summer?” Emily’s soft voice asked. “Are you okay?”

Tears in my eyes, I opened the door throwing my arms around her. “Yeah,” I sniffled. “I’m okay. They got him.”

Emily gave me a sad smile. “Then why are you crying?”

“I don’t know.” I shrugged my shoulders.

She pulled me to the window seat. “Do you feel guilty?” She asked. “That you’re happy he’s going to be charged?”

Pressing my lips together, I nodded slightly.

“It’s okay to feel the way you do. You have every right to feel glad about it. What he did was awful.”

“Hey,” Nick said, softly.

How long was he standing there?

“Hey,” I said.

Emily looked between us, standing up. “I think I hear Danny calling for me.” Then she slipped pass Nick, disappearing out of sight.

“May I come in?” He asked, and I nodded. Nick slowly walked over, sitting down next to me. “Are you okay?”

I nodded, pressing my lips together.

“I, uh,” Nick started, “I overheard you and Emily talking, and I want you to know that you don’t have to feel guilty.” While he was talking, he took my hand in his, careful not to put any pressure on my splint.

“I only feel guilty because he’s your brother.” I finally told him, looking away.

Nick sighed. “Hey,” He gently turned my head to look at him. “You don’t have to feel guilty about anything.” His voice was calm and sweet. “I should’ve known.”

Confused, I asked, “What do you mean? Should’ve known what?”

“By the way he was looking at you. I should’ve known something was wrong.”

I frowned at him. “It’s not your fault, either. I should’ve told you when I realized it was him.

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