37. You don’t deserve her
YOU DON’T DESERVE HER
Cole walked Summer into the house, placing her on the bed and covering her up. I watched as he smoothed her hair back and placed a kiss on her forehead. She murmured something, but it was too quiet for me to hear. He pulled the door closed and turned towards me.
“What are you still doing here?” He asked coldly.
I shrugged, not really sure myself. This was an odd predicament; usually on holidays I’d be working to avoid the awkward family gatherings.
“I’m curious when you’re going to tell her the truth.” I mused about making myself at home on one of their couches.
Cole’s eyes snapped to mine. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
A cold laugh bubbled up my throat, “Now that’s a lie to keep you warm at night.”
He sighed, coming to sit across from me as he cradled his head in his hands. “Everything it’s— complicated. I suspected but—”
“But? You know the longer you delay the worst she’ll hate you.” I confirmed.
“Don’t pretend like you’re any better than me you fucking raped her, I should kill you.”
“Yet I’m still here.” I paused, letting that sink in before continuing, “That’s the difference between you and me, I know what I am.
While you—“ I shook my head another laugh coming out. “You don’t want her to find the kid. You want her to depend on you. To hang on your every word. You think because you’ve coddled her you deserve her.
You don’t.” I exhaled through my nose. “None of us do.” I said a bit more quietly.
“Get out.”
“Sure, I’ll leave.” Grabbing my medical bag, I stood and walked toward the door. “And when she rushes into the line of fire and starts to bleed out because she didn’t trust you enough to wait—” I turned the door handle. “Remember this conversation.”
I walked out the door, letting it slam shut behind me. The wind whipped around me, throwing snow in my hair. My breaths came in puffs as I continued walking. There was the sound of the door opening and closing again as I made it to the end of the driveway.
“Wait!” Cole hollered above the wind.
The corner of my lips turned up as I returned to the house.