Chapter 27 Out of Control

Chapter 27 Out of Control
ELOWEN BENNETT

Even though it was small, it was still the first time Alaric had ever said thank you to me.

As I walked out of the hospital, that quiet “Thank you… for the fruit” kept repeating in my head. He hadn’t stood up for me fully when Tasha was being cruel, but he had told her “Enough.” For someone like me, she someone who was used to being ignored or pushed aside, that tiny bit of defense felt like something. It was enough to make my chest feel a little warmer on the cold walk home.

Still, the image of Tasha kissing him wouldn’t leave my mind.

No matter how hard I tried to push it away, I kept seeing her leaning over his hospital bed, her hands on his face, their lips pressed together. The way he hadn’t pulled away. The way he had just looked at me with that unreadable expression while she kissed him.

I hated how stuck the picture was in my head.

I hated that it bothered me so much.

By the time I reached home, the sky was already dark. I pushed open the front door, expecting the usual quiet house, but the lights were on and I could hear movement in the kitchen.

“Mom?” I called out, surprised. She usually worked late.

She appeared in the doorway, looking beautiful in a soft cream blouse and jeans, her hair styled nicely. She was smiling, the kind of bright, glowing smile I hadn’t seen on her in a long time.

“Sweetie! You’re home,” she said, walking over to give me a hug. “How was your day?”

“It was… okay,” I replied, forcing a small smile. “You’re back really early. Is everything alright?”

Mom waved her hand casually. “Oh, I took the rest of the afternoon off. I have a date tonight.”

I blinked. “A date?”

“Yes,” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I’ve been seeing someone for a few weeks now. I wanted to tell you earlier, but I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it.”

A few weeks?

I stood there, trying to process her words. My mom was dating again. After everything that happened with my dad the betrayal, the pain, the way he left us broken she was putting herself out there. She looked genuinely happy, almost glowing.

But something about it didn’t sit well with me.

I forced myself to smile. “That’s… nice. Who is he?”

“His name is Marcus,” she said, leaning against the counter. “He’s really kind, Elowen. Stable. He makes me laugh. I think you’d like him if you met him.”

I nodded slowly, but my stomach felt tight. “I’m happy for you, Mom. You deserve to be happy.”

She studied my face for a moment, her expression softening. “You sure? You look a little pale, baby. Is something wrong?” I hated that I was terrible at hiding my emotions.

“I’m fine,” I lied, setting my bag down. “Just tired from school. Go enjoy your date. You look really pretty.”

Mom pulled me into another hug, kissing the top of my head. “Thank you, sweetheart. I won’t be too late. There’s leftovers in the fridge if you’re hungry.”

As she grabbed her purse and headed out the door, waving goodbye with that happy smile, I stood in the middle of the living room feeling strangely empty.

I should have been happy for her. She had been through so much after Dad left. She deserved someone who treated her well. But the news sat heavy in my chest like a stone. It felt too soon. Or maybe I was just scared that things were changing again — that someone new was coming into our lives when everything else already felt so unstable.

I went upstairs to my room, changed into my pajamas, and sat on my bed. The small gift box from Andrew was still in my bag. I pulled it out and finally opened it properly. Inside was the beautiful starry bookmark and his short note. It made me smile a little, but even that couldn’t fully chase away the heaviness I was feeling.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand.

I picked it up, hoping it might be Alaric, but it was just a notification. No message from him.

I lay back on my bed and stared at the ceiling, my mind spinning with too many thoughts.

Alaric in the hospital, kissing Tasha.

My mom going on a date with someone new.

Andrew’s kind smile and thoughtful gift.

Everything felt like it was shifting, and I didn’t know where I fit in anymore.

I turned onto my side, pulling my blanket up to my chin.

For someone who had always preferred to stay invisible, my life was suddenly full of too many complicated people and feelings.

And I had no idea how to handle any of it.