AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 31
Mia
The pen scribbled across the paper as Mia wrote her life story for Andre to read. She’d never shared these details with anyone, and not even her therapist knew the extent of her trauma. She’d learned from an early age to keep secrets. Exposing herself like this was the hardest thing she’d ever done. Tears leaked from her eyes, blurring the page. She took a deep breath and pulled a tissue from the box.
Her phone pinged and she glanced at it.
Mateo: If you need our help, let us know. We’ll stay in town until tomorrow and then take Mamá and Papá home. Love you.
Her familia had her back, no matter what.
She steeled her spine and put the pen back to the paper, determined to give everything in hopes of earning Andre’s forgiveness. Even if they couldn’t be together, perhaps it could offer him some relief from the pain he carried inside. She’d seen his scars up close, and never in a million years did she wish to add even a feather more to his burden.
The chorus of raindrops bouncing off the roof brought her a sense of calm and determination. She wrote until her hand ached, her heart bleeding out onto the pages. After folding them and sticking them in an envelope, Mia scribbled his name on it before taking a deep breath.
Mia opened the door as the wind whipped, thunder rumbling nearby. She tucked the envelope close to her chest and darted across the green grass that separated their properties. Taking cover on his porch, she tucked her wild hair behind her ears. Her clothes were covered in dark splotches from the rain as her breath created a small cloud in the cold air. She swallowed, gathering up the courage. She would not take no for an answer. She’d fight for him.
Knocking on the door, she waited.
The door swung open and her heart sank. A beautiful blond woman wearing nothing but an oversized T-shirt opened the door.
“Can I help you?” she asked.
“Um . . . is Andre here?” Had he found a replacement so soon? His words came back to haunt her. You were just a good fuck—that’s all this was.
No. There had to be an explanation for this. Andre wasn’t like that. He loved her.
“He’s in the shower,” the woman answered, studying Mia.
Shower? Did they . . .
“I can make sure he gets this.” The woman reached out to take the envelope from Mia’s shaking hand. Her mind was still scrambling to catch up. What did this all mean?
“Who are you?” Mia asked, her stomach churning with anxiety.
“Tiffany. I’m a friend of Andre’s.”
This was Andre’s ex? Why was she here, in his house, half naked? He said he’d loved her too. Maybe he still had feelings for her.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Andre’s voice boomed. He was shirtless, wearing nothing but sweatpants that hung low on his hips.
“I . . .” She blinked back tears.
Tiffany moved out of the way as Andre stood in front of her. He reeked of booze and swayed slightly from side to side.
“I thought I was pretty clear earlier. Stay the fuck away from me.” The door slammed in her face. She jumped backwards.
Oh. God. She clutched her stomach, feeling sick. She needed to get away.
Mia ran down the porch onto the road. Her sobs were drowned out by the cracking thunder as the rain soaked her in minutes. Her tears mixed with the fat droplets cascading from the heavens. She ran until her legs and lungs burned—until she crumpled to the ground. It was all too much.
Mamá, I need you. I can’t . . .
Emotions overwhelmed her before everything went dark.
***
Tap. Tap. Tap. Scribble. Tap. Tap. Tap.
