My Sweet Escape // M.C.

Chapter Ten

*Michael pov*

Maddie doesn't need Dylan. Mason doesn't need Dylan. We will be the older brothers Mason needs... Or at least I will.

"Mikey-poo, how you feeling" Maddie asks. I can't help but grin at the dorky name. I'm in pain Madd, but I'll act like I'm not.. For you.

"I'm a little sore, but I'll be okay. I promise. How're you and Mason holding up with Dylan leaving?"

She looks at her feet. It's easy to tell she's hurt, even if it's happened before. "Mason seems to be okay. He's been acting like he normally does. Me? I'm pissed and a little hurt. I should be used to it though. Dylan has done this crap for years. I should've seen it coming, but it had been months since he left Kate and I thought-"

"You thought he was different. Finally coming to his senses."

She nods and a tear slips out. "I'm so stupid. This is all my fault. I'm so sorry Michael."

I scoot over as best as I can without showing I'm in pain. She sits beside me and rests her head on my shoulder. "This is not your fault."

I hear her sniffle but nothing else. "Dylan left because of me. He always leaves because of what a shitty daughter and sister I am." Mental abuse. Her mom and Dylan must've done it. But what about her dad? That probably explains why she's so close to Mason. "I have to block Mason from all the shit they put me through. I take it for him."

"Madd why don't you fight back? You don't deserve that crap." She lets out a small humorless chuckle.

"And let them take their 'pain' out on Mason. Never. Dad died a year after Mason was born. Mom blames it on me. Says that if I hadn't wanted that stupid jacket, he'd still be here." By now angry tears are flowing violently down her cheeks.

"I don't think it's your fault Maddie. Nobody can control what happens."

"A car crash. It was about 7:30. The driver was drunk out of his mind and arguing with his wife on the phone. Dad didn't make it to the hospital. Or out of the car for that matter."

She gets up and walks out wiping tears from her eyes.

I'm sorry Maddie.