Maxwell
I knock on Evie's door hesitantly. "Come in," She mumbles, plucking out her earbuds. I open the door and sit on her bed. I decide to be straightforward abut what I came here to say. Evie doesn't like sugarcoating.
"Hey." I brush my hand over her silky black hair, secretly pleased when she leans a little into my touch. "Heard about what happened this afternoon." She smiles, but it's not genuine. "Yeah. Dad wanted me to be home early."
My hand stills in her hair. "Did he hit you?" Chris definitely would have stirred up a shitstorm if Tony ever laid a hand on her in his presence, and notified me, but I just want to make sure. she shakes her head. "Nope. Ash and Chris were there, so I was fine."
I nod, not entirely sure how to approach the subject. "He can't treat you this way." She shrugs nonchalantly, despite her poorly disguised expression of angst. "If he's not hitting me drunk, that's fine." Anger rises in me. "No, its not." I spit, then soften at her widened eyes.
"Sorry," I murmur, pulling her into a hug. I don't think Evangeline is ready for this conversation yet. However, its crucial for her to realise that Tony's attitude toward his only daughter is toxic and abusive.
My brothers and I may not be aware of what kind of environment she grew up in, so this is the norm for her. I just hope that one day, she will be free from her father's oppressive presence in her life, and live happily like she deserves.
Evie grabs my waist like a lifeline, burying her face in my hip. My arms automatically wrap around her as well. I lean down to whisper in her ear. "As long as we're here, no one will ever dare to hurt you."
-
Evangeline
Max leaves the room pretty soon after. I'm not entirely sure where he was going with his speech, though. I know my father is terrible, and that other kids have nice parents that simply adore them, my father is all I have in this world. My mother doesn't count. She has never been there for me. Of all my thirteen summers, I have not seen a single card, received a call. Hell, I dont even know what she looks like.
By the time she's released from jail, I'll be long grown up, and probably won't want anything to do with her.
I head downstairs for an apple, since I'm feeling peckish. I'm done with homework, and Asher texted me to let me know Tony and Mariam are going for a dinner date. At least then, I won't have to face them at dinner.
I find Lucas, back from his shift, chatting with Owen in the living room. Both smile and wave. "Hey, Princess." I take Lucas's outstretched hand over the back of the couch. "Hi, Luke, Owen." Owen grins. "What's up?" I shake my head. "Nothing much." I toy with Lucas's fingers. So long and tapered, ending with healthy pink nails. I address Luke. "Mariam and Dad are going out. What do you want for dinner?"
"Oh. Anything is fine, but would you mind cooking for one more? Owen might stay for dinner." I nod. "Sure, no problem." Lucas smiles adorably. How sweet of him to ask. Owen interrupts my musing. "Woah, you can cook?" Lucas smirks proudly, hand encircling my wrist. "Yeah. Kinda sad neither Ora or her wife can."
Owen scoffs, but I can't help notice the way his cat eyes linger on our entwined hands. "Who's Ora?" Their brows lift. "Sorry, Princess. I guess we should've introduced you to the neighbours sooner."
Owen grins, teeth flashing. His smile is so cute. "You should come over, sometime." I blush and nod. "Anyway, thanks." Lucas pipes up. I smile, the go to the kitchen to prep dinner.
