Free Save Me by Natasha Preston

down on the bed and smiled sympathetically.
    “She is what I want.” I wished she wasn’t. She wasn’t supposed to be, I was just meant to help her but it’d gone beyond that. “It’s fine, I can wait until she’s ready.”
    “Glad to hear it because under the tough exterior , from what I’ve heard of the old her, she’s a good girl.”

Ch apter Fourteen
     
     
    Tegan
     
     
    Today was Ava’s birthday and I was helping to set up for a small party she was having. Unsurprisingly, she didn’t want anything big, just family and a few close friends over. Dad was big on birthdays but everything was different now. It felt wrong to celebrate anything at all.
    Our living room was decorated with red and white balloons, a large HAPPY BIRTHDAY banner and streamers. Two big plastic bowls of punch sat on the kitchen island, one non-alcoholic and the other swimming with half a bottle of vodka.
    Among Ava’s guests were Lucas and his family. The thought of seeing him again made me feel nauseous, nervous, and a little bit excited. The last time we saw each other didn’t end well. Although we’d exchanged a couple of texts, it would probably still be awkward. After all, I did turn him down and run away. I hoped he understood why that was, though. I couldn’t open the door in case everything I wanted to shut out came pouring in, too.
    “Are we all done now?” I asked. “I need to get ready.”
    “Yes, I think so,” Mum replied. “Nan and Grandad will be here soon so don’t take too long.”
    Did that matter? It wasn’t my birthday so they didn’t need to see me right away. “Sure,” I said as I walked out of the kitchen.
    I got dressed in my own time, hearing my grandparents fuss over me because of Dad was about the last thing in the world I fucking wanted. Knowing Mum would freak if I wore anything above the knee – not that I wanted to a family function – I changed into a full-length sundress and curled my hair. I think I looked presentable and I didn’t really care if no one else did.
    When I got downstairs my grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin had just arrived and were wishing my sister a happy birthday.
    Show time. I forced a smile.
    My uncle looked for me first, he looked so similar to Dad I wanted to run back upstairs. Uncle Sam opened his arms for a hug. I let him but my body was too rigid. “Hey, Tegan,” he said, giving me a much more brief hug than usual. I think he felt my resistance.
    “Hi,” I said.
    Nan saved me from the awkwardness by crushing me next. “How have you been, darling?” she asked, playing with one of my curls.
    I wasn’t even sure of that. I was lost, drowning, empty, and angry. Take your pick.
    “I’m fine, Nan. Do you want a drink?” I didn’t wait for her answer before going into the kitchen to get her the glass of red wine I knew she would want. Two minutes in an d I was ready for everyone to leave.
    Once our family, Ava’s friends, and Sophie and Adam had arrived, I knew the next time the doorbell rang it would be Lucas and his family. Kai said he’d pop in but it probably wouldn’t be until later.
    Ava shouldn’t have invited them. I wanted to see Lucas again but I also didn’t. Everything would be easier if we just stayed away from each other. All I needed was to be able to keep everyone at a safe distance until a miracle happened and I was suddenly okay again.
    I sat at the kitchen island with Sophie and Adam , trying to listen to what they were saying when I was far too on edge to take anything in. I missed being carefree and laughing every five seconds like that.
    My family were mingling in the kitchen and living room like everything was fine and dandy and I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs. I felt like I was on the outside looking in at a life I’d never have anymore. I didn’t fit into the family.
    “Tegan?” Adam said, waving his hand in front of my face. His expression said it all: Lucas and his family were here. Now I really wanted to