Don't Leave Me Alone

~17~

⚠️TW: Mentions of violence, mentions of death

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~Ray's POV~

My stomach dropped for a few reasons. But there was one question I needed answered.

"What happened to Norman's leg, Mom? How'd he break it?"

Mom smirked. "I broke it for him."

I could FEEL the color draining from my face. I took a step forward.

"You goddamn bitch!"

Mom pretended not to hear me. She pulled Norman into a hug. "But you don't have to worry. Norman's leg will heal in a few months, and he won't have a scar. But for now, he needs to rest. I'm sure it will be healed by your twelfth birthday, Ray."

"How can you live with yourself? You don't give a damn about anything unless it's beneficial for your own safety." It was taking me a lot of self control to not scream at her.

"It's to survive, Ray." Mom turned to Emma. "Emma, be sure to give me the rope when we get back to the House."

Mom lifted Norman and began to carry him back to the House. The rest of us followed them, and as much as I wanted to be away from Mom, I had to be there for Norman. He was hiding his face in Mom's shoulder, and I assumed it was to hide his tears. Norman hated crying in front of anyone.

After catching up to Mom and Norman, I gently grabbed his hand. I squeezed, and he squeezed back. A lot of kids were looking at Norman's leg. I released Norman's hand before Mom went inside with him. Almost immediately, a bunch of kids came up to me, Don, Gilda, and Emma. Emma just walked past everyone and went inside.

I walked over to the well and sat on the edge. Don was making up a story that Norman had just tripped and landed the wrong way. After a little bit, he and Gilda came over to me.

"This has to be the worst of the worst case scenarios."

"Mm. Yeah."

"Who in their right mind would break someone's leg?"

"A crazy old bitch, that's who."

Gilda gently touched my shoulder. "I know how you're feeling, Ray. I know it upsets you that Norman is hurt-"

"What about Emma?" I side-eyed her.

"Well, her too, but you...you know..."

I raised my eyebrows at her. "I know what?"

"You like Norman, right?"

Don stumbled over air. "You do!? Like, hey, I support, but I did NOT expect that."

"That's cause you don't pay attention." I grumbled.

"You didn't deny liking Norman."

"I didn't confirm it, either."

Gilda sighed. "Ray, we all know I'm right."

Don picked up a rock and dropped it in the well. "You know, Emma told me that she found out that Norman had a crush on you, Ray." He paused. "And now I'm realizing that she also told me not to tell you."