Chapter Sixty-One
RAVEN
It’s been two weeks since I was kidnapped. Things have changed but they’ve also stayed the same. I moved back in with Dad not being able to use the excuse of staying with James anymore. I think after what we both went through we needed each other, to heal, and to try and get back to some kind of normal. It’s been hard, but baby steps.
“I’m still fucking amazed that it was Emma all along, like what the actual fuck,” Mia exclaims, stirring her coffee.
I hum in response but don’t really know what to say. Whatcanyou say? Someone who I thought was like a mother to me tried to kill me for her own jealous reasons. I’m going to be in therapy for so many years trying to figure out where it all went wrong.
I’ve been back to see my old counsellor, working through the trauma, and slowly but surely I’ve been able to start figuring out that Emma’s actions were her own. Logically, I know it’s not my fault; her own delusions of grandeur are what caused this, but for someonewho’s never trusted easily, this is just another thing to add to the list of why ‘Raven’s not good enough.’
I’ll never forgive her for what she did, but that’s okay. I need to do what works for me to live a happy and healthy life. I suffer from PTSD flashbacks, which my therapist said was normal after facing a traumatic event, but with time and therapy, it’ll settle down.
Emma’s facing trial and life imprisonment, but I hadn’t wanted to know any more details when Dad tried explaining. As soon as he said I’ll have to testify against her in court, I shut down—some things can be dealt with another day. I have no idea what’s going to happen to the charity. Last I heard, the board of directors have taken over and are stripping Emma of her title and anything to do with it.
Mia’s been staying with us at the weekends and calls multiple times throughout the day while she’s at school. She can be a little bossy at times, but she seems to be really helping Dad—her foul mouth and teasing manner usually make him laugh at least once a day. I’ve really noticed him coming out of his shell more with her around.
I sip my coffee as I reply, “Beats me. I’m trying not to dwell on it, because if I do, I’ll go mad with the ‘what ifs’ and ‘why me.’”
Mia nods in understanding. She gets a serious look on her face as she says, “Erm, so I think I’m gonna go away for the summer.”
“That’s great. Where are you thinking?” I ask.
“Not sure yet.” She shrugs. “I just need to get away for a while. I feel claustrophobic. I start working for your dad in a few weeks, and all my freedom will be gone once I start adult life. I wanna go out with a bang.”
Gently placing my hand on her arm, I say, “That’s okay, Mia. You’re not supposed to have everything figured out yet. Go. Have fun. Find a hot man to fall in love with.” I wink at her with a smile. “Just make sure you call me every day with the dirty details.”
Mia scoffs. “I think you’ll be getting more than me.”
“A lady never tells.” I smirk.
“So, what are your plans?” I glance at her, confused. “For summer? After college? James?”
I sigh, bracing my hands in front of me. “Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t think I want to be a physio anymore, though.” The relief from finally saying the words out loud feels incredible. “I’ve got some money left over from when Mom died, it’ll give me time to think about what I want to do.”
“I’m proud of you, babe,” she says, picking up her coffee. “Not everyone has the guts to do what you’re doing. But no matter what life throws at you, I know you’ll smash it.”
Dad strolls into the kitchen, heading to the fridge, and grabs a soda. “Where have you guys been?”
“Erm, sitting drinking coffee, Daddy Drew.” Mia gives him a ‘duh’ look. “Why, where haveyoubeen?”
Dad pinches the bridge of his nose, groaning, “Whose stupid idea was this?”
“Whose stupid idea, what?” I ask, confused, my eyes darting between the two of them.
“Me, working with blondie over there,” he exclaims. “She’s driving me nuts.” Dad turns to Mia, waving a finger in her direction. “Don’t think I don’t know what you did.”
“First off, I’m brunette, not blonde,” Mia chastises as she points back. “Second, it’s not my fault you wanted to rearrange your whole calendar for when I start work.”
“Mia,” Dad chides, propping himself about the counter and folding his arms. “I didn’t say mywholecalendar, just the days you’re in, so I can make sure to work from home.”
“Exactly, Daddy Drew. Why would you want to work from home when you have the delight ofmeworking with you?”
Dad laughs heartily, firing back, “And that’s exactlymypoint, Mia. I’d be working withyouall day. There aren’t enough pain pills in the world to deal with your brattiness.”
“Bite me, Daddy Drew,” Mia retorts, clearly eye fucking my dad, and I have to hold back the urge to vomit.
“Ew, stop that,” I admonish her, laughing. “Dad’s got a point, though, honey. Youarea bit of a live wire.”
