Trying Hard to Ignore You

"I want a hug."

I got a hotel room with Axel, leaving everyone at the park.

I saw fireworks through the window.

I haven't turned my phone back on. It's too much.

The room is just for the day. I know I'm going to have to go back to the Carter's house.

Spencer

When Audrey's father arrived, I realized my fiancé still wasn't back and I knew she took off.

We're all at my parents house after fireworks, sitting around a fire.

Her Dad is a really great guy. He was extremely honest with them, and he and Audrey have the scars to prove he's telling the truth, and if there's anybody everyone here trusts with their life, it's Audrey.

He hasn't asked about her once, he's just bonded with Ethan and Emily.

Now though, that we're all quiet, staring at the fire, her Dad speaks up.

"So...I have another child. Does anyone know where she is? I saw a picture of her with you guys." He looks at Emily and Ethan.

Everyone looks at him.

"Good question." Emily says.

We're all quiet.

"And...respectfully, the rest of you that I'm not related to...how do you know my kids?" He looks around at my family. He knows who Kendall is, but he has no idea who I am.

"I'm engaged to your daughter, sir." I say. "And the rest is my family." I introduce him to everyone.

It's my parents and Noah. Everyone else comes for major holidays.

"You're marrying my daughter?" He repeats.

"Yes." I say.

"What's your name?"

"Spencer." I say, shaking his hand.

"How old are you?"

"Twenty seven."

"Where did you meet her?"

"In the airport." I say.

"Traveling?" He asks. "Where were you and why were you leaving?"

"I was in California to visit my brother and I was leaving to go home, back to Florida."

He nods.

"And Audrey, why was she leaving?"

"Um...her fiancé cheated on her."

"She was engaged before you?" He asks.

"Yes."

"And he cheated on her?" He asks again.

"Yes."

"Did he show back up?"

"Yes. He came to her door after a year and a half and she...told him to go..." I hesitate.

"And he did?"

"Yes."

"Did he come back?"

"Yes."

He just looks at me, waiting for me to explain.

"He threaded to kill...everyone, if she didn't come with him..." I hesitate.

"He what?"

"And she went with him." I say. "While I was sleeping. I woke up and she left screenshots of the messages he sent her."