Fracture

CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR

❊-♡︎Scarlett♡︎-❊

"I can't go," I groaned, leaning my head back on the seat of Gerard's car.

"You'll be grand," Gerard chuckled, "They will love you."

"What if I say the wrong thing? What if they think I'm weird? Do you think they know about Mark?" I blurted out.

What if they see my scars?

"You won't, they won't and probably not," Gerard sighed, "Feely's a good guy and he's not the type to blab around your secrets. Just take a deep breath and head in."

"Can you not come with me?" I whined.

"No," He snorted, "Are you insane?"

"Fine," I said, clearly flustered, "Don't ask me for help next time you need it."

"Oh shush. You'll be grand."

Taking a deep breath like Gerard instructed, I pushed open the car door and stepped out.

"You best pray for me," I muttered.

"You don't need it," He rolled his eyes, "You're very lovable. Now go!"

With a groan, I slammed the car door shut and made my way up to the front door of Patrick's house.

I was having dinner with his family and I felt sick to my stomach with nerves. I wasn't one to chat with adults. I mean I talked to Claire's parents and my own, as well as Edel.

But they didn't count, they were either family or basically family.

I gave the door a swift knock and took a few more steadying breaths.

When the front door swung open, I was relieved to see Patrick on the other side.

"Hey," He gave me a boyish grin, "You look beautiful."

I love this man.

"So do you," I smiled before lowering my voice and saying, "I'm nervous."

"Don't be," He reached over and squeezed my hand, "They'll love you. Everyone's so excited to properly meet you."

"Patty, move over! I want to see her," A feminine voice came from behind the cracked door.

A gorgeous brunette with the same blue eyes as Patrick practically shoved him out of the doorway and gave me a warm smile.

"Hey! I'm Lacy," She waved, "You're beautiful. My brother didn't exaggerate on that part."

"Nice to meet you," I smiled, finally linking a face to Patrick's youngest sister, that I had yet to meet.

"Hey," Savannah then appeared in the doorway, "It's nice to see you again!"

"You too," I nodded.

"Are you going to let the girl in?" Valerie rolled her eyes, "Have we taught you nothing, Patty?"

Patrick sighed, "Well, if Lace didn't shove me, I could've let her in."

"Excuses," Valerie scoffed, opening the door wider so that I could step into the foyer.