Stone by Addy Archer

Author:Addy Archer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-03-15T18:30:00+00:00

C H A P T E R S E V E N

– R Y L E E –

“You’re smiling,” Dani says, and I glance up from my coffee. “You finally seem as if you’re okay, and there’s some color in your cheeks. Are you really okay?”

I take a deep breath and let the turmoil of recent events flow through my head. It was exactly three weeks ago when Stone saved me. I was living with a person who was forced on me by my abusive father. Both vicious people suppressed me, dominated my life with everything I had to endure without having a choice or an escape.

And now? Keith is gone, and so is my father. I haven’t seen my father since he showed up at the clubhouse, and to be honest, I haven’t asked or cared what happened to him. But last week, Stone told me my father was found dead and drove me to the sheriff’s office.

Once we got there, the sheriff informed me that the authorities ruled my father’s death an accident. He explained how my father was probably salvaging a part when he was trapped underneath a car and died from the injuries he sustained.

I broke down in Stone’s arms. Not from the loss of my father but from the freedom I’d gained, knowing he can’t hurt me ever again. The sheriff took it as an emotional breakdown and was worried, but Stone assured him he would look after me. And he really has, from the moment he stepped into my life.

I brighten my smile and tell Dani, “I am. Or at least I’m getting there. The only thing I worry about is Stone. But not in the way you might think. I’m afraid to allow myself to feel happy. It’s as if everything is a soap bubble, and I’m waiting for it to burst.”

My smile fades, and Dani reaches over the table to grab my hand and give it a squeeze. “That’s because you’re not used to the good things life has to offer. And we all know good things always comes along with the balance of the bad. But I also like to think you had a truckload of bad shit, and now it’s time for you to relish in the good, you know? Besides, when this soap bubble pops, you now have enough money to buy some new soap and make some awesome bubbles yourself, Ry. See the future and know you have all the choices and options in your own hands from now on.”

“I would hug you, but I kinda want to drink my coffee too,” I tell her.

She tips her head back and laughter rips out.

I never knew this day would come. To feel free to do whatever I want and to enjoy a careless cup of coffee with my friend. Well, not so much careless, because Bellick is sitting at another table eyeing our every move.

Precaution. That’s what Stone says, but I also think he’s doing it so I don’t run away.

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