Thirteen Summers

fifty-seven

THIRTEEN SUMMERS
tw: emotional abuse

They'd driven home in near silence.

After the talk with the doctor, Josie had to go through other things that she wasn't happy about, like blood tests and weight readings.

It was all very hard for her, and Cameron understood that.

He didn't press on her to talk, he just let her be for now.

Josie sat, knees up. Curled against the passenger door, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.

It wasn't the safest way to sit but Cameron didn't scold her for it, it was the only way she could comfort herself in that moment.

Josie stared out at the long iron gates, as they slid open and the St. Claire residence came into view.

She was already planning her escape up to her room.

When they got inside, Cameron turned to her. "Why don't you get some rest before dinner, hm?"

That wasn't what Josie had expected him to say but she'd take it, she nodded.

She put her head down, moving quickly, she just wanted to get away.

Cameron watched her go, his jaw tight and his chest heavy.

It had been a hard day for them both.

Cameron began to head down the hall that led to his office, already bracing himself for all the paperwork, the calls he'd be receiving.

"Cameron."

He barely had time to register the tone when he turned around to see his little sister, Madison.

Who looked livid.

She speed walked towards him, with her arms crossed tight against her chest, eyes blazing with fury, like a woman on a mission.

Cameron stopped short. "Madison—"

"What the hell was that earlier?" She snapped. "What are you doing?"

Cameron frowned slightly. "What?"

"With Josie." Madison clarified, moving closer to him. "She told me what happened, don't you think you're overreacting?"

Then it all clicked.

"I mean, God." Madison continued. "I thought you were different, after dad? It's not fair, you can't just do these things, it makes her feel trapped. It made me feel trapped."

Cameron's expression didn't change. He looked around before guiding her over, deeper down the hall.

He didn't want to talk about this in the open.

He opened the door to his office, letting Madison go in first.

She walked right in, arms still crossed, hovering near the two chairs opposite his desk but not sitting down.

Cameron closed the door behind him, taking off his gloves carefully, then his long trench coat, hanging it on the coat rack.

"So." He began, walking over to his desk. "What did she tell you?"