Daniel's POV

Phoebe had run inside the large house.  Sarah pointed to a closed door and shot me an anxious look.

“I’ll sort it, I swear,” I promised although I had no idea how. 

My hands were sweating as I knocked gently and then stepped inside. I could see her silhouette.

She was curled in a chair facing the fire. I could hear her sobs from where I was standing near the door. The sound cut deep.

I’d never meant to hurt her.

“Phoebe...?” she looked so small, so damned vulnerable. What the hell was I supposed to do? I tried again. “Phoebe, I’m truly sorry – I didn’t realise how much I'd hurt you."

She didn’t say a word, wouldn’t look at me. All the time her red-rimmed eyes were fixed on the crackling fire.  So I knelt on the stone-cold floor and gently touched her arm. She didn’t draw back, which had to be a good sign.

We sat in silence. The wood in the fireplace crackled and burnt as wisps of black smoke floated up the chimney. The burning wood cast eerie shadows on the walls as they flickered forming shapes.  I heard her deep heavy sigh. 

At that one breath, time seemed to stop dead...I was transfixed. It would have been good to stay like that forever, but that wasn’t going to solve anything. I really needed to fix this... I’d better start.

“Phoebe, I’m so sorry.  Sorry I hurt you with stupid words. I didn’t know about your family, but I should have asked, you’re my friend..."

She stayed silent, unmoving, a stone statue at my side.

I stroked a finger lightly up and down her arm and could feel the muscles tensing. “Phoebe I’m an idiot – just a fool who isn’t used to having friends. People usually hate me right off. You’re the first one who hasn’t run a mile. Don’t let my stupid words get in the way of our friendship... please Phoebe?"

I was rambling; it was what I’d always done as an awkward, shy kid.  It had been a long time since I’d had a friend who meant enough for it to matter. What the hell could I say to make this okay?

“I want to meet them,” her words were so soft, I had to lean closer just to pick out what she was saying. “I want to get to know them...get them to accept me as part of their life. They don’t even know I’m still alive...Oh... it’s not fair!"

She buried her face in my chest, melting into me. I could feel her warm tears soaking up my shirt. I had nothing to say.

I just held her gently. At home, I had parents who loved me regardless. I wasn’t the one dealing with a crippling disease. 

“It’s not fair you have so much to deal with in your life,” I finally murmured. Her hair lay against my cheek; it smelt of strawberries, summer fresh. “If you want me to, I could help you search for them...”

But she pushed me away, her eyes wide with horror.

“I mustn’t... no, you don’t understand.  My parents, the ones who love me...took me in. I couldn’t do that to them?"

She was trembling, her eyes wet with more tears.

“Whatever you want," I said. “I just want you to know I’m there for you...”

“It’s just I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. Should I..."

Her words were cut off by a panicked cry.  Sharp, high pitched, it was a female voice.

Another scream this time followed by the muffled sobs of a terrified child.

Phoebe was up on her feet racing for the door.

“Sarah... Jake!” she shouted, “I’m coming!’

I sprinted after her, afraid that she might trip and fall.

Someone screamed again — the sound cutting through me like a knife.

Edited by lindajonesAuthor

A/N Did Phoebe forgive him?

What was that scream and WHY?

What do you think?
Your feedback means the world to me.

Thanks for supporting me throughout this book for the Wattys!