Stuck Between A Rock And A Hard Place

Chapter 16

Nancy's POV

Bertram and I left quickly after June and Benny did. Neither of us could take it anymore. We couldn't stand there and listen to my uncle say those horrendous things about June. It was awful.

We found a small room next to the lobby and decided to stand in there. I knew my mom and aunt weren't done talking to my uncle, so Bertram and I needed a place to wait.
"I feel terrible," I said.
"I know, this whole situation makes me sick," Bertram replied.
I sighed. "How could he say that to June?"
"It's beyond me Nance."
"She's his daughter! She's his family!"
"Family isn't necessarily the people you share blood with. I've experienced that first-hand."
"I know that. I do. I just thought he would show her basic human decency."
"We all did, but we were obviously wrong."
"I just can't fathom it."
"Me either," he said. I could feel the pressure and coldness of tears in my eyes. I just felt so bad for June. She doesn't deserve this. Nobody does, but it's harder to see it happen to your family. It's harder to see it happen to the people you care about most.

It was silent after that. Neither of us really knew what to say. What could you say in a situation like this?
"Okay I don't really know what to say, but I can offer a hug?" A small smile formed on his face as he slowly outstretched his arms.
"I'll take that," I said. I allowed Bertram to wrap me in his arms. It didn't change anything, but it was comforting nonetheless. We just looked at each other when we pulled apart. It gave me Deja Vu to the roller rink. This time, instead of simply staring, Bertram pressed his lips into mine. I didn't fight it, I actually melted into the kiss. I had been fantasizing about this moment for a little while. I never thought it would actually happen.

We both pulled back when we heard the sounds of footsteps behind us. It was June and Benny. They found us.
"Hey," Benny said.
"Hey," I smiled. "How are you doing June?"
"I've definitely been better," she answered. "We are going home soon, right?"
"I assume so," I shrugged. "It can't be much longer." I wasn't entirely wrong, my mom and aunt walked out of the hospital room about an hour later. It was longer than I hoped, but at least it wasn't multiple hours.

We all piled back into the car and started the journey home. The seating situation was the same as when we came. The only difference was the atmosphere. It was plain sad. Nobody talked and everything felt off. I glanced at June and I could see it in her face. She would never admit it, but she was heartbroken. Completely and utterly heartbroken.

The mood didn't change once we got home. It stayed somber and dismal. I can't be surprised or blame anyone, there wasn't anything to be happy about right now. I mean, I had one thing to be delighted about. My crush kissed me! There aren't many things better than that. This wasn't about me though, this was about June. I would never rant about my crush while she was going through something like this.

Benny stuck around and came home with us. He was June's safe space so I didn't expect anything less from him. The two of us cheered her up a little bit, but the heartache still lingered. I knew it wouldn't change overnight, but it really sucked seeing her like this. I wish there was a way to instantly change someone's mood. I knew school tomorrow definitely wasn't going to do that.

Author's Note: Chapter 16! This chapter makes me so sad yet so happy at the same time.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! 😊❤️
As always, I proofread but if you find any typos please let me know! 👍