“I have to go,” I whisper, not really looking at him, not looking anywhere. Pain and humiliation are mingling inside of me, and I feel like I can’t breathe.
“Thea, listen to me. I don’t feel that way about you. You’re like my kid sister.”
If words could kill, I’d be dead.
“I’m not, though. I’m not your sister. If you could give me a chance…”
“That can never happen. You’re just my kid sister. Thea, I’m in love with Gabby.”
“But I thought she and Thomas…”
“No, Gabby cares for Thomas like a brother. That’s all. It’s just, we both know that Thomas is in love with her. We have to be careful.”
I look at him like he’s crazy. I think he has to be. I can’t be the only one that knows about Gabby and Thomas. Can I???
“I’ve seen her kissing him.”
“Thea, I know you’re upset, but don’t tell lies. You’re old enough now to not be childish.”
“You … You think I’m childish?”
“Yes, and you’re definitely acting it now.”
“I’m not a child!” I argue loudly.I step away from him, my heart hurting, but my pride wounded in a way that I never expected.
“You’re sure as hell not an adult. Adults don’t tell lies about an innocent woman just because they can’t have what they want.”
“You solved that. There’s no way I’d have you now.”
“Thea, you’re not old enough to have?—”
“One day, Dom, I want you to think back to this conversation. I want you to remember I’m the one that told you the truth, not your so-called innocent Gabby. Only, don’t try to tell me you’re sorry. I don’t want to hear it. You aren’t worth it.”
“Thea?” Mom asks.
“Sorry, I was remembering all the reasons I’m stupid for still being in love with someone who doesn’t know I’m alive.”
“Honey—”
“Let me go, Mom. The modeling agency wants me, and I need distance. Please?”
“Are you sure, Thea? This is a big decision. You’ll be so far away from your father and I…”
“I know, and I’ll miss you, but I need this. Since I hurt my leg, I’ve had issues with my body. I think this will help me get back to who I used to be. I know it will help me put Dominic West in my past.”
Mom has tears shining in her eyes, but I can tell she understands.She nods and I feel like I can finally breathe again.“I’ll talk to your father,” she finally answers.
“Thank you, Mom! Thank you so much,” I gasp, holding her tight.
“You will have to check in every day, and I want to know everything. You hide nothing from us and if this doesn’t work out?—”
“Then, I’ll come back home,” I agree, before she can even say it.
“You also have to promise to come home for holidays and every break.”
“It’s a deal!” I agree, my heart feeling lighter than it has in years. Ignoring the pain of Dom’s rejection, I bury it deep inside of me.
No one will know but me and I won’t acknowledge it except when I’m alone at night and the tears refuse to stop falling…