August 24th- Book One in the May 3rd series

Chapter 65- Mature or Pigeon

Warnings ⚠: Child Abuse, Rape, Violence, Religion, Drug Use, Alcohol Use, Use of Slurs, Homophobia, Bullying, Mention of Suicide, Suicidal Thoughts, Suicidal Actions, Gun Use.

Damien's P.O.V.

-Friday, November 12th-

I shut the door behind me, leaving Josiah in bed alone.

I wish I could just curl up under the blankets....

No.

No more running.

I walk into the living room and say, "Hey."

Pierre's in his armchair, reading a book.

He looks up at me, taking off his reading glasses and sitting them beside his cup of warm tea.

He's trying to calm down.

"Damien." He says solemnly.

"Hi. Listen, I'm sorry...about everything. I realized that...I don't think I want to...do that anymore. I couldn't do that to you guys. I get it if you don't believe me but..."

"It's okay. And I'm glad you feel that way. But for your safety I don't want you leaving without telling us where you are. And maybe you should take one of us with you."

I nod. "That's...fair. But I'm really sorry about what I said earlier . You- You-re not my dad. You've been so much better. And I was hoping you could help me maybe find a job, and a place of our own."

He pauses and takes a sip of his tea. "You don't have to leave. And apology accepted. I know you didn't really mean it."

"It doesn't mean I should have said it." I sigh.

"I really think you should stay living here for a while, focus on finishing school, and maybe talking to a professional about all of this." He suggests. I go to cut in, but he holds a hand up to stop me. "...But, that being said, I cannot make the choices for you. You're eighteen, and I'm not your guardian anyway. Just know that everything I'm suggesting is for your own benefit. It's not me trying to control you."

I blink at him. "I don't think that talking to a professional would be a very good idea."

I'd be forced to tell them about my parents... and then what? My mom would get arrested? Or she'd find out and come kill us all?

No. It's not a risk I'm able to take.

"Why not?"

"What the fuck would I say about my parents, to start?"

"You wouldn't have to talk about them, if you didn't want to. Besides, once it's been a bit and it feels safe to, I'm going to resign from working for your mother. I only stayed for you. But I'm going to wait for a few months, or until it seems safe for me to go. I don't want her assuming I'm hiding you here."

He's trying to protect me. I hold back a laugh, "You don't have to protect me, Pierre."

To my surprise, he glares at me. "Yes, I do. I love you, and will always be trying my best to look out for you. I couldn't do anything when you were staying with them, but now... now I'm going to try my best to be involved as much as you'll let me."

I can't imagine how hard it was, seeing someone you love being around people like my parents...

I need to be more understanding. If they're going to be my reason for staying alive, I need to figure out why they care at all in the first place.