Chapter 10 - Kelsey’s ChoiceThat evening, as Rebecca and I were watching a movie, my phone buzzed with an unknown number. I almost ignored it, but something told me to answer.
"Nathan?" It was Kelsey. She sounded terrified.
"What do you want, Kelsey?"
"I'm not with them anymore," she cried. "Mom and Brianna were trying to get me to max out my student credit card to pay for a new apartment for them. When I said no, Mom slapped me. Just like she slapped you."
I closed my eyes. The cycle of abuse was terrifyingly predictable.
"Where are you?" I asked.
"I'm at a friend's house. Nathan, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry I didn't help Rebecca. I was just so scared of Mom. I knew it was wrong, but it was easier to stay quiet."
I looked over at Rebecca, who was watching me with concerned eyes.
"Apologizing to me isn't what matters," I said softly. "You need to apologize to Rebecca. But more importantly, you need to stay away from them. If you go back, they will drag you down."
May you like
"I know. I'm done. I just... I wanted you to know that you were right."
I didn't invite her over. Trust had to be earned back, and my priority was my wife's safety. But as I hung up, a small sliver of hope sparked in my chest. Maybe one member of my family would make it out.
Related Stories
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1048x378:1050x380)/Jenna-Bush-Hager-100223-c94955eb572d47ea815a340c18c6e771.jpg)