Chapter 11: Consequences

“Did you pay her to go with him?” Ella’s mother asked.

“Yes,” I said. “I did. I thought I was giving my son a memory. I was wrong. I am so sorry.”

“Mom,” Jeremiah snapped. “What are you doing?”

“I’m telling the truth.”

I pulled the envelope from my purse.

“This is what I promised Ella. And I’ll pay for counseling if she wants it.”

“You can’t be serious,” Jeremiah hissed.

His voice changed.

Flat.

Ugly.

“After everything I’ve done, you’re choosing her over me?”

“No,” I said quietly. “I’m choosing who you might still become.”

His face hardened.

“You’re nothing without me.”

The words landed.

And this time, I let them.

“Maybe,” I whispered. “But loving you doesn’t mean protecting you from consequences.” Continue Reading ⬇️