*Juliet's pov*
Tears were staring to brim at the end of my eyes.
"I don't think you two have met. Juliet meet James, my coworker-"
"We've met." I said through my teeth.
He took his hand out for me to shake.
I shook it, but his grip was hard, it seemed like he was hurting my hand.
I let go instantly.
"And I think you know Teo." She smiled.
We hugged.
"I'm glad you're okay." He whispered.
A tear rolled down my cheek.
"I'm glad you're okay, too." I whispered.
We pulled apart.
"Let's eat." My mom said as she led us to the dinner table.
I sat next to Teo and my mom sat across from me.
"We have to talk." He whispered in my ear.
"About?"
"Everything."
I looked up. Teo's dad was with my mom helping her cook.
I grabbed his hand and we walked to the hallway.
"Talk." I said.
"Look, I had no idea I was coming here, but let me assure you that my dad is done with crimes." He said.
"First of all, just be glad I don't call the police for him." I said.
He nodded.
"And second, he nearly broke my wrist when we shook hands. Clearly, he's not done with me." I said.
"Juliet, please don't call the police on him." He begged.
"Why can't I?"
"Because he's the only thing I have left." He said.
I shut up, but only for a minute.
"My mom is the only thing I have left now. But I don't want her in my life! She lied to me and brainwashed me into thinking she was the good guy! Teo I know this has been hard on you, but this is not how a parent should act." I said.
"I know." He said as he shook his head.
"I'm sorry." We both said at the same time.
We stood in silence for a second.
"Do you want to be here as much as I want to be here?" I asked.
"Nope, I hate this as much as you do." He said.
I smiled, I hated myself for leaving him here.
He'll understand.
"Juliet! Teo! Dinner's ready." My mom yelled.
We groaned and rolled our eyes as we walked to the kitchen.
We sat down and I ate my dinner.
I looked at the time, it was already 7.
I had to hang out with Jacob.
Teo was sitting there, bored out of his mind.
My mom and his dad were lost in their own conversation.
I needed to get out of here.
"Can I be excused?" I asked.
"Of course." My mom smiled.
