“And you came back?”
My dad inclines his head. “We were going to break the rules. We were going to take you with us. But when we left the hospital, your mother and I were picked up by Sterling’s men. We were offered a warning, shown surveillance of you in the hospital, and thrown back on the streets. And so we left. But Grayson kept us updated. He promised he was keeping an eye on you, that all the brothers would keep you safe.”
“They did,” I confirm, reaching up and squeezing Grayson’s hand.
“Is that why you fell in love with them?”
My mother’s question causes me to literally jump, my knee hits the top of the dining room table and I wince.
“What do you–”
My mom raises her thin lips tightly. “It only took a single instant to notice. It’s just like how you were with Tripp.”
“You knew abouthim?”
My dad laughs. “You aren’t as sneaky as you think you are. Augustus knew too. We all did.” My dad’s attention bounces up to Grayson. “I don’t like this. Especially with how old he is. And I don’t understand how you think dating three brothers is going to work, but Sunflower, you’re an adult and I hope you’re happy. You deserve it.”
I feel Grayson move behind me, but I don’t react.
Hardening my shoulders, I level both with a stony stare. “I am happy. Happy in spite of everything that has happened.” Tears well in my eyes. “And I–” I break off in a sob, my hard facade withering as my emotions well up.
My parents jump to their feet and Grayson releases me, staying nearby but letting my parents wrap me in their arms. Allowing them the space to hug me.
“Oh sweetheart,” my mom coos in my ear. “I’m so sorry. I wish I could change so many parts of the past, but I can only promise to do better by you going forward.”
My dad remains silent, but I feel his hand on my back as he comforts me.
I can’t remember the last time my parents hugged me.
The realization causes another wave of sadness. But my parents don’t let go, even as I sob, even as I fall apart in their arms.
In some ways, I will never forgive either of them. For leaving me when I was at my lowest. For running from the truth. For accepting that this town was evil and doing nothing to stop it.
But in this time together I let some of the anger, the hate, fade from my heart.
They did the best they could given impossible choices. Just as so many before them had.
After finally breaking apart, I explain to my parents that I won’t be staying, that I plan to remain with the O’Briens for as long as they will have me.
Neither of them seem to agree with me, but they also don’t argue.
Back in the O’Brien’s home, I feel a wave of relief as soon as I step through the door. The house has quickly become my home.
“Veronica?” She’s by the front door.
“My mom is pulling up, I was just waiting for you to come back.” The corner of her lips tug up and she opens her arms.
I fall into them, squeezing her tightly to me. For a moment, terror strikes. “You promise you’ll be back? This isn’t goodbye?” I ask.
Veronica chuckles. “No, this isn’t goodbye, Sunday. I’ll be back and I have your number. I promise to text you everyday. But I need to leave this town for a while. For as long as I can. I need to see the rest of the world, that it isn’t all caked in ugliness. That it can be beautiful.”
“I understand.”
And I do. Except I don’t plan on leaving.
Squeezing her one last time, we release each other. Veronica casts a look over my shoulder. “You three better take care of her for me. For Auggie. For Tripp.”
They all offer their agreement. And then she gives me one last heavy look, before marching out of the door.
