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“I’d have to agree with you on that one,” he says. We sit silent for a moment before he’s clearing his throat.
“He really loves you, K,” he says. His gravelly voice is full of emotion. I lean in a little closer, only hoping to bring him a fraction of comfort.
“I know,” I say.
“He told me what’s been going on,” he says.
My heart sinks. I know Bodhi said I needed to trust that Sander wouldn’t do anything about everything I’ve been up to, but after watching what happened to Eli, I can’t help it.
“San,” I say, ready to explain, but he stops me.
“I get it. You’ve never been one to ask for help, but this time around, I wish you had. And I know why you didn’t, but damn… this could have been so much worse than it was,” he says, shaking his head, staring at his feet.
Guilt weighs heavily on me, and I feel like a small child being reprimanded. I hate disappointing the people I love, and in a way, it feels like I’ve disappointed San.
“You could have trusted me, you know?” he says, softly.
“I know, but… San, I didn’t want you wrapped up in that,” I whisper, snaking my arm through his.
“But it’s my job to protect. Not just this town, but you, too. Even though you don’t want to be protected, I promised your brother I would do everything in my power to keep you safe,” he admits, and I knew he had, but in those words, the weight behind them changes.
“San… he would have hurt you,” I say, the words barely loud enough to reach his ears, but they do. “The things he said he’d do to you if I mentioned anything… I couldn’t… it would have killed me to see you hurt because of me,” I say, a single tear spilling down over my cheek.
His eyes search mine. For what, I’m not sure, but it’s like he decides to pull back at the last second, nodding his head in understanding.
“I would have reacted the same way. But you have to know that we aren’t going to stand by anymore and let that asshole harass you,” he says, and his tone drops to one that’s much less easily swayed. “Words and threats are one thing, but this,” he gestures to my body, eyes scanning my face, “this is crossing the line, and I won’t stand for it.”
My chest aches with emotion, and I know he’s one-hundred percent serious. Nodding in understanding, I lean my head against his shoulder.
“I know, just promise me you’ll be safe. Both of you,” I say, and he promises they will.
“You’re my best friend, Keaton. Nothing will ever change that. Above all else, that you can be certain of,” he says.
We sit there, the light in the room fading as the sun disappears behind the copse of trees surrounding the property.
I isolated myself for so long that I forget how good it felt to have people I could count on. The ability to lean on someone and not be looked down on for it. My life is filled with so many people who care about me, and it’s about time I accepted that.
When San sees just how tired I’m getting, he gives me one last hug and stands, offering to get Bodhi for me before he goes.
“Hey, San,” I say, stopping him just as he’s about to leave the room.
“Yeah?”
I take him in and thank whoever is out there watching out for me, that this man is my best friend.
“I love you,” I say, smiling softly, trying to convey everything I feel into those three words, even when they aren’t received in the way he’d hoped.
He swallows, forcing his smile a little wider.
“Yeah, I love you, too, K.”
Bodhi
I wanted to stay with Keaton all night, but I had to get my mom back home and I wanted to give the girls a chance to settle in.
I hardly slept, counting the hours until I could head back over and see my girl. Mom and I both woke up bright and early, eager to start the day.
“I talked to Rob yesterday before we left, and he suggested taking Regina grocery shopping this morning. The house was pretty empty and who knows how long they’re going to have to stay there,” my mom says, checking her hair in the mirror over the entryway table.
