Chapter 27

Winter POV

We pull up into the driveway and I shudder looking at the house. Had it always looked this intimidating and

imposing or was my imagination going into overdrive? I’m reluctant to get out of the car and I watch as Damien gets

out, part of me wanting to cower against the seat and stay in the car. I know he’s told me that father is gone forever

but a small part of me thinks he could be lying, that this could be a trap and that’s what keeps me from getting out.

My brother looks exasperated but I don’t care.

“Winter” he says softly, knocking on my window “it’s safe to come out, I promise he’s not here.”

I just look at him and then slowly, quietly, get out, closing the car door behind me. To my surprise Damien takes hold of my hand and gives it a squeeze, I guess his way of trying to reassure me as we walk up the driveway and to the front door together.

Damien reaches out and opens the door, turning the light on and going inside, while I clutch his hand with a death grip. The lounge room is completely littered with beer bottles and there’s father’s odor still drifting in the air. I gag, putting a hand over my mouth and taking deep breaths. I’m aware I’m still in a hospital gown but I’m too scared

to go upstairs by myself.

“Are you hungry?” Damien asks and I shake my head, tugging at my hospital gown and looking at him with wide

eyes in an effort to get him to understand what I want.

“You want to get changed” he says and I nod.

“Go on then” he urges and I shake my head, pulling on his hand while he stares at me confused.

want me to come with you?” he asks gently and I nod, staring down at the ground. He uses a finger to lift my chin, staring deeply into my eyes

you” he says gently and I pull him behind me as I try,

though and scoops me up, carrying me the rest of

bed.

gesture towards my dresser. My brother nods and rifles through the drawers and throws a

I need underwear, vehemently aware that I’m not wearing any at the moment. I watch

bright red.

he says weakly and I point to the top drawer. He acts as though is hand is burned and

the urge to

nod. There’s no way I’m about to ask my brother for help getting dressed. I don’t care how long

then frowns. “Knock on the wall

he says apologetically and I

silently in my mind as I begin to wriggle into my underwear and pants, every movement excrutiating. The shirt was the easiest part and I was panting heavily by the time I was done. The clothes hung on me but so did the rest of them and it’s not like I had anyone I was trying to impress. I use my fist

Loudly

in. “Anything else you

before he can pick me

gets

he mutters and I point to my desk where a notepad and pen

me, before swiftly picking me up

to place me on the couch and I flinch, looking at him in horror. “You

anyway” he points out and I relax, letting him put

about some food or a drink?” he suggests looking a little lost. This is all new to him but

used to anyone caring

before sitting next to me, carefully placing my bad

his lap.

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