’ ‘It’s not your fault, Karen. And you did learn from your mother… you got out.’ I hadn’t thought about that before. It lifted my burden ... bit. ‘You really think so?’ ‘Yes. You’re one tough lady, you knew what to do. You’re lucky, so many women don’t.’ I put my head on his shoulder, somehow I trustedJames. He learned more about me on our cozy bench than Heidi, my closest friend, had ever known. *** Back at my place, the porch light was out, so we put James’ LED light to use again. But. ”“Holy shit. Are you being serious?”“I am, Matt,” Shannon said apologetically.“Fuck. Where’s Lara now?”“In my car. I’ve been trying to calm her down for the last five minutes. I need to get back up there, though. She’s all alone.” Shannon glanced at Alana. “I think we should head out for her sake.”“Yeah, of course,” I agreed. “But where the fuck is Pete?”“They all just left. He went with Brian’s brother. I sure hope he could drive, though.”This is so fucked up.“All right. Damn. We should go. "Cindy lunged at me, pulling me into a strong hug, holding me like she was drowning. I could feel her tears on my shoulder. "I never told anyone what I saw," she said. "I just wanted out. They were generous about the money, to keep me quiet." Releasing me, she smiled at Winn as she turned to hug Pam. "I'm sorry, baby. I couldn't tell you what your daddy did. I'm sorry."I couldn't really tell how I felt; child abuse repelled me, but the 'child' was almost an adult, and just yesterday I was. I feel goosebumps break out across my skin, since he never gets this angry. Danny being angry is the least of my problems. A searing pain from my ankle and wrist were what jolted me awake. I frown when I attempt to lift my wrist out from under the blanket. I can't help but gasp when I see three black and purple fingerprints documented in plain view on my skin. "Damn you," I groan, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, my teeth biting into my bottom lip to prevent me from howling in pain. I.