Chapter 12

“I’m so tired of this life and feeling empty inside. I want things to be different. I want to be different!” I drag in a heavy breath and pull back from the verge of hysterical tears that rear their ugly head from deep down. Arrick smooths more hair from my face, calming the internal stormy waves as he regards me solemnly. Absorbing my words, his face shows signs of wavering emotion as his eyes glaze a little too. Hurt because I’m hurting. “I’m ashamed of who I’ve become.” The dam breaks with the shame of what I admit; tears and wracking sobs envelop me with the rush of words, letting it out in one steady swoop. Arrick pulls me closer still, gently stroking my arm and comforting me. Realizing that I am covered in goosebumps, he lets me go, slides off his jacket, drapes it around my naked shoulders, then cuddles me back against his chest to calm and warm me. I didn’t even notice I was cold.

“The girl I know is still in there, capable of finding her way back out.” His voice low