My Sweet Escape // M.C.

Chapter Eleven

•Mason pov•

"Maddie," she looks over with glossy eyes. "Does Dylan hate us?"

She looks genuinely surprised. But it quickly fades. "No bud. He just-" she sighs and wipes the tears that threaten to escape away with the sleeve of dads sweatshirt. "I don't know Mason. I really don't know."

I can tell this makes her upset. "I love you Maddie. No matter what Dylan and mommy say. You're the best sister ever." She cracks a smile but begins to cry.

I get up and sit in her lap like when I was 5. She wraps her arms around me and lays her head on my shoulder. "I love you so much Mason. I promise I won't let anyone hurt you."

Although I know I'm young, I know my sister like the back of my hand. She needs me more than ever. It has been me and her for as long as I can remember. She's my best friend. "Mommy and Dylan can't hurt us anymore. We have each other. Like always. You are the bestest friend I could ever have sissy."

She just hugs me tighter and cries harder. "You're a very mature kid Mason. I couldn't ask for a better brother." I give her my biggest and goofiest grin.

"I have the best role model any kid could ask for." She smiles through her tears.

"Well Mason, you're my role model. You're such a strong, very smart kid. Oh how I wish I was as smart as you." I grin widely, knowing she means every word and believes them wholeheartedly.

"You'll be a great mom one day, Maddie. And between you and me, you're better than our mom. You protect me from the abuse they put you through." She looks surprised that I know this but I just stroke her hair and kiss her forehead like she did to me when I was upset. "I could hear them through my walls. And then hear you crying at night and apologizing to me for not being strong enough, but Maddie...you're the strongest person I know."

She smiles at me and begins to cry. "I love you Mase. You're such a smart little kid. I'm lucky to have you as my little brother. You've held me together through all of this."

"I love you too Maddie." Always.