for what happened to your mom. I think I tried to make up for it by showing her I’d never leave her alone again.”
Realizing Dad went through the exact same thing I’m going through offers me some relief. “So, what should I do?”
Dad’s eyes lock on mine, and there’s so much love in them as he stares at me. “You can only be there for her. Help her get back into a normal routine.” Dad pulls me into a hug. “And as for you, I’m here whenever you need to talk. Don’t go through this on your own.”
When we pull apart, I confess, “I used to tease Mila a lot. It was our way of communicating, but since the attack… I’m just scared I’ll say something wrong.”
Dad gives me an understanding smile. “From what I’ve heard, Mila’s kept everyone at a distance except for you.”
“Yeah, but she’s starting to open up to the group. She met with the police tonight and gave her statement as well. I’m scared she’s going to start pulling away from me.”
“Jase, she feels comfortable with you. That’s very important for her right now. Just be yourself. Mila’s made it clear it’s what she wants by turning to you when she needed someone the most.”
I nod as Dad’s words sink in. When Mila woke up, she called for me. She never shrunk away from me or asked me to leave, and it makes me think.
What if?
Bringing my eyes back to Dad’s, I ask, “How were things on the romance front while Mom was recovering?”
A huge grin spreads over my father’s face, “Things were always good. We didn’t let what was happening drive a wedge between us. If anything, it brought us closer together.”
“Yeah, but…” I pull an awkward face as I admit, “We weren’t exactly dating before the attack.”
Dad’s one eyebrow pops into the air. “Shit, you could’ve fooled me. I thought you were a couple already.”
“Well, we’re not. I was going to talk to Mila, but then she was attacked,” I state.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to bite the bullet and tell Mila how you feel.”
Not exactly the advice I wanted.
“With my luck, she’ll tell me to go to hell.”
Because I already upset her enough when we had the fight. I don’t want to do that to her a second time. Especially not now.
Dad gets up and chuckles. “Or she might surprise you. What’s the worst that can happen?”
“Our friendship can die a sudden and horrible death,” I grimace.
Dad shakes his head. “Never. Tell her how you feel and if she doesn’t feel the same, then so what? You care for the girl. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
Not wanting to go into detail about everything that’s happened between Mila and me, I agree, “Yeah, you’re right.”
Chapter 18
MILA
After hearing about Mrs. Reyes' ordeal, I stare at her with wide eyes.
“You’re…” I struggle to search for the right words and say, “so brave.”
Oh, my God. There’s so much I have to be thankful for. At least I wasn’t stalked and drugged to the point that my loved ones thought I was losing my mind.
Mrs. Reyes leans over and places her hand on mine. “You’re brave, too, Mila. But it’s up to you whether you let what a sick man did define who you are. You’re not responsible for what happened. That’s all on your attacker. You’re Mila West, a beautiful girl with a bright future ahead of her.”
Holy shit. What she says rings so true. I got stuck in my head, thinking my life was ruined.
That I was ruined.
But that’s not true. The life that was ruined was Justin’s. He’s the one with no future, and I won’t let him take mine as well.
Still worried, I ask, “Did you have nightmares?”
Mrs. Reyes nods. “The first two weeks were the hardest, but with my husband and family’s support, I got past it.”
I gnaw at my bottom lip, then admit, “I’m returning to classes on Monday. Everyone on campus knows what happened.”
Mrs. Reyes’ expression turns stern. “And it has nothing to do with any of them. If someone approaches you, make it clear your life is not open for discussion.” Giving me an encouraging smile, she adds, “And honestly, even if they whisper behind your back, don’t let it get to you. It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks, Mila. I kept reminding myself only the opinion of my loved ones mattered. Surround yourself with your friends. They’ll take good care of you. And you have us. We won’t tolerate anyone