The Fade

Chapter 8

The next couple of days are spent keeping the McCall family sane, which I didn't mind as it meant I didn't have to go home. Obviously at some point I do need to leave, I can't just hover around all day. They need to be alone, to adjust and heal as a family and while I know I'm always welcome with them, I know they should be alone so they can say whatever needs to be said.

So three days after Nathan's death, I head back home to my own family. Should I even still call them that?

"Mom!? Dad!?" I call out as I enter the silent house.

Much to my delight, the house is completely empty of my family. Is it wrong to feel relieved that they're not here?

"You didn't tell me it was your birthday."

Jumping in shock, I spin on my heels, eyes wide as I stare at the man I thought was gone. Crystal blue eyes staring at me, a slight frown between his eyebrows.

"I um...I didn't think it mattered." I say softly, clearing my throat slightly.

"It did." He states firmly.

Feeling guilty for a lot of things, I lower my head to avoid his piercing gaze. This week has been more painful, more challenging than ever before, people have betrayed me, my best friend is dead, I can't remember my birthday, and the only true thing I have left is Severus, I abandoned him for my family, I risked something fragile for Alexander and it might still cost me my happiness.

"What happened?" He questions, his tone blank.

Knowing exactly what he's referring to, I gulp.

"Alexander needed me-"

"Alexander is using you, they all are." He snaps at me, cutting me off.

My heart pangs at his tone, only adding to the rest of my pain. While I know it's a mistake even before I let it happen, I get angry. I know I shouldn't, I left him for people that betray me, it was low of me.

"And you're not? Wasn't it just sex?" I snap back, without meaning.

His eyes harden, and he stands from leaning against the wall. Immediately I feel guilty, knowing how wrong is of me to take it out on him when he's the only honest one.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"

"You're right, it's all I wanted. I didn't expect anything more, you are a Blossom after all." His words are spoken with emptiness, but they cut through my heart like ice.

Speechless, i turn away from his harsh words so he doesn't see the tears in my eyes. With everything that's happened, I'm incapable of dealing with anymore stress and suffering. It feels like the entire world is shifting under my feet, like i'm slowly loosing everything and i can't stop it.

"I'm sorry, I planned to meet you, I packed my stuff and I left. She was there, she told me Alexander needed me, I couldn't just abandon him, Severus." I explain softly.

"He tried to rape you, Ronnie!" He loudly admits, fury and disgust in his tone.

I instantly spin around. "What are you talking about?"

"I came to give you a damn present, he had you pinned against the wall and you were begging him to stop. He's lucky to have his head." He seethes through gritted teeth.

Alexander tried to rape me? Why would he do that? What is wrong with him? Why don't I remember?

"I-"

My head snaps towards the front door as I hear voices, my familys. Worrying about Severus, I turn to face him, not wanting him to leave despite knowing he has to. They will kill him if he doesn't.