Trust me, babe

Chapter 12

Kathryn

I could hear footsteps on the stairs and concerned voices, but all I could focus on was the pain in my foot. And the strong arms that grabbed me, guiding me gently to the sofa. Samson's arms. Suddenly it made sense why the curly haired boy in all the family photos had looked so familiar. I had met him before. I had met Louisa's brother. I just hadn't realized Samson and Louisa were siblings. Though now it seemed so obvious. How hadn't I noticed the similarities between them? Had I realized Samson was Louisa's brother I would've done everything in my power not to come here tonight.

"Kathryn? Is everything okay?" Persimmon asked. She rushed through the living room and sat down next to me.

"She dropped the photo album on her foot," Samson explained, picking the album from where it had landed and placing it back on the coffee table.

"Why did she drop it?" Madison asked.

"Why the fuck was she holding it in the first place?" Louisa questioned, staring coldly at me.

"It's not important," Samson replied before I had a chance to say anything. "She needs ice for her foot."

Louisa opened her mouth to say something, but her brother cut her off. "Ice. Now." She sighed and rolled her eyes, but turned on her heels, nevertheless, heading toward the kitchen.

"Why did you disappear down here for such a long time?" Persimmon asked.

I glanced at her. Did she really not get why? "Oh, I just... umm..."

Luckily, I was saved from having to come up with an answer as Louisa came back with a bag of ice in her hand. She handed it over to Samson.

"Can you lift your foot to the table?" he asked me.

I nodded and placed the aching foot to the coffee table, next to the photo album. He placed the bag of ice on my foot, his fingers grazing my bare skin in a way that made me shiver. The way he was taking care of me made me feel warm and fuzzy, but at the same time it also made me want to run for my life.

"Now that she's got her foot taken care of, we can go play Just Dance like we had planned," Louisa said, directing her words to Persimmon, who was still sitting next to me.

"She can't play," Persimmon said, glancing at my foot.

"It's okay," I replied. And I really meant it. There was no need for me to embarrass myself in a dance game in front of Louisa, Madison and Lilly.

"You can come watch as we play?" Persimmon offered.

The others shared an annoyed look. They didn't want me there. They hadn't wanted me here to begin with.

"I'm fine down here. I'm not sure if I could make it up the stairs," I replied. I was grateful Persimmon was making an effort to make me feel included and like I was part of the group. In my opinion, however, we were already at the point where she should just give up. It was obvious Louisa wanted nothing to do with me and it would've been best for us all if Persimmon just accepted it.

"I'll keep her company," Samson said.

Oh no.

Persimmon hesitated for a while longer before standing up. "Shout if you need anything," she said, squeezing my shoulder. "Or boss Samson around."

She winked at him and then followed the others down the hall and back upstairs, leaving me alone with Samson. I avoided looking at him, snuggling into the corner of the couch and pulling my knees against my chest. The ice bag felt freezing against my bare skin but I pressed it against my toe.