Wanting Mr. Barkley (Book 2)

Chapter Fifteen . . . Silence Kills

Chapter Fifteen . . .  Silence Kills

Karen's POV

It wasn't a surprise that after my talk with Derek about my past, that he would call Dylan. Not only did Dylan arrive to the house, but so did Riley and Dean. I tried to stay out of the way as Derek explained my situation and how they were going to figure out what was best for me. It was funny as I alway assumed that I would only know what was best for me, but after the group of people hearing about my past after years of hiding it from them, they suddenly all knew what was best for me. I remained in my room and watched television as they discussed there plans.
I was flipping through channels when Garett decided to walk in.

"Mom, I don't feel good." He said as he sat on the bed next to me.

My motherly instincts took over and I hopped up on the bed on my knees and touched his head.

"What's wrong baby?" I asked as I noticed that he didn't have a fever.

"My head and my stomach hurts." He said and I took in his complexion which seemed to look normal except his eyes that were red and puffy.

"Garrett, were you crying?" I asked
He kept his head down and was clearly ashamed of something.

"No . . . " He trailed off.

"Garrett, honey, it's okay you can tell me what's wrong." I went to touch his shoulder but he quickly shrugged it off.

"No Derek told me I had to be strong!" He yelled and was huffing in and out like he was angry.

"Why do you have to be strong?"

"I have to protect you mom!"

"From who?" I was totally confused, but my confusion only seemed to anger him.

"From that man that Derek was talking about. He won't hurt you mom! I won't let him!" He yelled before stompinng out of my room.

I heard the sound of his door slamming from a distance. I ran my fingers through my hair before getting to my feet and stomping my way to the living room where I saw Derek looking over some papers.
Once he saw me he put the papers down and smiled at me.

"Hey baby."

"Don't hey baby me." I said angrily, but he only looked at me confused. "What the hell did you say to my son?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." He said.

"Then why did my son come in my room and say that he had to be strong and protect me from Max?"
His eyes widened and he got to his feet.

"I'll go talk to him." I shook my head and stopped him.

"I think you've said enough to him."

"I'm sorry Karen, he just got confused. Let me go explain to him what I meant."

I shook my head again.

"I think you've done enough damage with 'MY' son."

He stared at me before he began shaking his head, disappointed.

"Unbelievable." He muttered.

"What's unbelievable?" I asked as I crossed my arms.

"You've pulled away from me again!" He yelled before turning around and running his hands through his hair. "I told you I would protect you and you don't believe me. What is it going to take Karen?" He asked almost apalled.

"Maybe I don't trust you because you are trying to raise my son!" I yelled and he blinked a couple of times.
I clearly hit the wrong spot.

"Well, someone had to." He said.