Free The Choice (The Choice Series Book 1) by Heather Gillette Page A

lay down on the bed not waiting for a response. I pulled the covers up to my chin.  We were all squished side by side but it made me feels safe not being alone. We all lay like that not saying anything.  I couldn’t help remember the smell of sandalwood, the smell of Jason.  The last thought before I fell into a deep sleep was of Enoc.
    Sitting at the huge breakfast table Amber on my right and Grace on my left I listened to them as they talked about heading into town to go shopping and maybe watch a movie.  I couldn’t help but look around the kitchen. Ryan sat at the end of the table in deep conversation with my father.  Both their heads were lowered and I could see the tension in my father’s eyes as he kept glancing up at me and then back to Ryan as he spoke.  I didn’t know what they were talking about but it seemed important. 
    “Olivia did you want to come with us too?” 
    Dazed I realized Amber just asked me a question, “Uh what did you say?” 
    “I wanted to know if you want to come into town with Grace and me.” 
    Taking a bite of my French toast I covered my mouth when I answered, “Yeah that sounds fun.” 
    I ca ught Grace watching me, “So we were thinking we could all get ready at my place.”
    I d idn’t answer because Enoc walked in, looked at my dad and something passed between them.  Enoc grabbed his own food and sat next to my father and Ryan.  My father ran his hand through his hair.  His brow lifted and then he looked directly at me.  He changed his expression and smiled. 
    “Ye ah, that sounds fun.”  I stood up shoving the last piece of bacon in my mouth. 
    I went o ver to the sink and rinsed off my dish and set it in the dishwasher.  On my way back to the girls, I watched Amber stare at Ryan.  He looked up at her and she quickly dropped her head back to her plate. 
    As I pass ed by my father he reached out and grabbed my hand.  “We need to talk about what happened yesterday.  Meet me in my office in fifteen minutes.” 
    “Okay.” I was overwhelmed by feelings of distress and confusion.  What exactly do I tell him?  I mean do I say anything about what happened between Jason and me. 
    Grace apparently heard my father’s request and asked, “So what are you going to tell them?”
    I shrug ged my shoulders; “I’ll tell them what I told you.” Of course I’m not telling them that I almost kissed Jason.  I didn’t even tell the girls that little bit of information.  They would think I was insane.   Heck I probably am.  “So you guys go ahead and I will meet you at Grace’s okay.” I watched Ryan, Enoc and my dad put their dishes in the sink and then headed back down the hall.  I assumed they were heading to his office. 
    I went and stood out on the back deck.  The wind is warm and I could tell it was going to be a hot day.  Leaning against the rail my arms crossed in front of me, I looked at the marks on my wrists.  They had already healed a lot, considering it just happened twelve hours ago.  I rubbed my fingers over the marks.  My body shivered remembering the way Jeremy enjoyed hurting me.  I heard laughter down below and watched Jane walk with her two daughters towards the pool.  Emma stood next to the pool in her bright pink swimsuit and polka dot water wings.  She giggled as she jumps into the water splashing Lacey.  Lacey climbed out of the pool and did a cannonball off the diving board.  Jane watched them as they laughed and played.  She smiled at them and it made me smile.  I realized my father was probably waiting for me, so I waved down to Jane, “Have fun.”  She waved back, “We will.”
    Walking down the hall to my father’s office , I passed David and Alex playing a game of chess.  Karen was in the kitchen cleaning up the remaining dishes.  She waved as she wiped down the kitchen counter.  As I got closer to the office I stopped walking. 
    I c ould hear my dad ask, “So Jeremy and Jason got away?” 
    Ryan