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.

and I nod, staring down at the ground. He uses a finger to lift my chin, staring deeply into my eyes as I

I pull him behind me as I try, very awkwardly to get around

and scoops me up, carrying me the rest

bed.

throws a shirt and pants at me, which I catch but I continue to look at him. He’s

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

bright red.

says weakly and I point to the top drawer. He acts as

as I fight the urge to

I nod. There’s no way I’m about to ask my brother for help getting dressed. I

wait in the hallway” he says then frowns. “Knock on the wall or something when your

he says apologetically and I wait impatiently until

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

Loudly

comes rushing in. “Anything else

pick me up. I mime a pen

gets

my desk where a notepad and pen sat.

picking me up and

I flinch, looking

points out and I relax, letting him put

how about some food or a drink?” he suggests looking a little lost.

not used to anyone

water before sitting next to me, carefully placing my bad

his lap.

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