When Old Dreams Come True

Part 12

A/N:  Oh lord I just realized it's been over a year since I updated this book.  OOF
The last update was terrible too, so sorry :|   I'm going to try to update again since I'm out of work until at least the end of the month dependent on how the world goes.  Cause right now its all closed down.

XxXxX  Sensitive topic WARNING XxXxX

I close my eyes as the panic attack takes over, my chest tightening and the world spinning faster around me.  I am vaguely aware of something moving in next to me and try to make myself even smaller.  I hear my name echoing around through the fog in my head, the words sounding far away.  A warm hand suddenly rests on my shoulder.  "Audge, darlin'.  Hey, breathe.  In and out, in and out."  I force myself to focus on the words slowing my breathing to match their pace.  I open my eyes and find Christopher next to me and lean against him.  Out of the corner of my eye I see Carter standing in the middle of the room looking concerned.

"What happened?"  Chris asks as he gently rubs up and down on my back.  I shake my head and swallow the lump in my throat.  His focus turns to my brother across the room, Carter looks between the two of us and back to the television.  

"I don't know, we had turned on the news, and she was in the kitchen.  They started talking about my dads upcoming trial next month and I turned around to ask her something and she was like that."  Carter says his voice quiet as he watches me.  

"Turn it off."  Chris says, his tone sharper then usual. Carter opens his mouth, like he wants to say something.  "Turn it off Carter."

Carter reaches over the couch and grabs the remote turning the power off of the television.  "Is someone going to tell my what just happened?"  He asks sliding down to the floor across from where Chris and I sit.  I pull my knees closer to my chest and chew my lip.

"I can't."  I say quietly, shaking my head.  "I can't Carter."  My voice cracks as I say his name, giving away more of my emotion.  I feel the tears starting to slide down my cheeks giving me away.  Chris's arm tightens around my shoulder, as I turn my face into his neck.  "I can't do this Chris."  I whisper, not wanting to look at either man.

"Your father is a piece of -"  Chris pauses and I can feel him clenching his jaw.  "Lets just say he's the worst kind of person."  

"I know he hurt a girl a couple towns over but what does that have to do with what happened here?"  Carter asks, his voice laced with confusion.

I move my face from Chris's neck, I look up and use my sleeve to wipe my face.  "That's the only thing he was ever convicted of."  I say trying to push back the anger and pain from my voice.  "Some of us never say anything because it wouldn't matter."  I push myself up from the floor and hurry to the front door, pushing it open.  

"Wait Audrey,"  I hear from behind me, followed by Chris telling him to stop.

I lean against the porch rails and feel my stomach turning moments before I wretch over the side of the porch.  My face feels wet from the tears now running down my face.  Tears of anger, and pain.  Tears of sadness and fear.  I rest my head against the railing, and reach my hand down rubbing the heads of both dogs as they lean on my legs.  Their gentle weight helps to calm the racing of my heart, and I slow my breathing wiping my face again.  "He's gonna hate me you guys,"  I say as I look out to where the sun is sinking behind the trees.  I hear footsteps behind me on the porch and glance over my shoulder to see Christopher moving towards me.  

"He wants to talk to you sweetheart."  

I put my hands on my head letting them slide down so they rest on my neck.  "I don't know if I can Chris.  He's going to hate me."  

Chris moves over to me standing behind me, he puts his hands on my waist turning me to face him.  He presses his lips to my forehead.  "He doesn't hate you.  He's pretty pissed off with his father."  His blue-grey eyes meeting mine,  "Carter's worried about you Audge.  He wants to make sure your okay."  I snort, "Well as okay as you can be."  

"When was his trial changed Chris?"  I ask looking up at his handsome face.  

"I'm not sure but they are going to hear from me.  I am supposed to be notified of all information and changes in his case."  His fingers run through my hair as he rests his forehead against mine.  "You gonna be alright darlin'?  I have to go see what is going on with this mess."  I close my eyes briefly before pulling back from him.

"Sure."  I say with a small nod.  "I just have to go tell my step-brother that his father, took advantage of me and pushed me down a flight of stairs no big deal."  He gives me a small smile.

"It'll be okay Audge, call me if you need me."  I watch as he walks down the steps and stops at the bottom, "I love you darlin'."  

"I love you Chris.  You should go before I decide to come with you and hide from Carter."  He shakes his head and climbs into his truck before driving down the gravel road and out of sight.  I let out a long breath.  "Alright you two,"  I say looking down at the dogs, "Guess I have to do this."  I take a deep breath feeling shaky as I turn back into the house, and towards Carter.  Towards the truth that has been hidden for years.

XxXxXxX

Welp the truth is out.  Not sure where I'm going with this now, but I make all these books up as I go so that isn't anything new.

Are you all surviving 2020 madness?