The next month went by in a blur. Prom was just as magical as I thought it would be. Nathaniel even took me to show off my dress that Auntie had painstakingly sewn for his mom and Mrs. Anderson had taken as many, if not more pictures, as Auntie. Honestly, I'd begun to think of Mrs. Anderson as a friend and I hoped that we would continue to have a good relationship in the future.

Just a few days ago it had been my birthday and Nathaniel planned out a full-day date to rival the one I had for him. It had been an incredible adventure that ranged from going on a guided horseback riding tour to a dinner theater experience. The only thing that marred the special experience was that both Nathaniel and I had received our acceptance letters for the schools we applied to. Nathaniel hadn't brought it up though and since I only applied to Anteros Academy in Sweet Amoris it wasn't like I had any other option than to start preparing for my university experience.

Now it was spring break and I was lounging in the apartment while Auntie was at work. My legs were unusually restless though even though I normally enjoyed chill afternoons like this. I laid the book I had been reading face down on my stomach and lifted my phone up so I could read Nathaniel's earlier message for the third time.

I'm sorry I can't hang out today, Opal. I have something I need to discuss with my Dad. Don't worry though, everything will be fine. I'll call you after our talk is over.

My knees spasmed slightly and I let out a sigh. Sitting up straight on the couch, I slipped a bookmark into my book and placed it on the coffee table before putting on my shoes and a light jacket. Needing something to distract myself, I walked outside to the mailboxes. When I opened the mailbox I was surprised to find a key placed in there with a number 2 printed on the tag, meaning that a package had come that was too big to fit in the small mail slot.

Wondering if Auntie ordered something without telling me, I slipped the key into the larger mailbox slot and opened the door. Two official-looking envelopes the size of manilla folders sat at the bottom of the large box. Frowning, I reached out and took them, my eyes going wide when I saw that both of the envelopes were addressed to Ms. Opal Sato.

A strange sense of unease went through me as I closed the door, leaving the key which was now stuck into its slot awaiting the mailman to use a special tool to release it, and then turned back towards the apartment. After going back into the warm home that I had come to love, I slowly walked over to the table and rested the thin envelopes on the table in front of me. It was obvious that they both held some kind of paper, but I couldn't think of any reason someone would send me a stack of paperwork without any return address information.

Rubbing my tongue against the back of my teeth in thought, I finally reached for the first white envelope and cautiously ripped it open. Tipping it upside down, I slid the papers out from the manila folder. In large, blocky letters the words "Notice of Disownment" were printed boldly in the middle of the page. Everything around me faded into nothingness as my trembling fingers slipped behind the title page and then moved it to the back of the stack of papers.

I read the document completely; the cold, uncaring legal verbiage sending stabs of ice through my soul. I had to rest my arms against the table to steady myself as I read through the notice that Aaron (Akihito) Sato was rescinding all claims of parental responsibility from one Opal Sato. When I got to the end of the document I forced myself to open the second, nearly identical envelope. It also contained a notice of disownment, this one saying that Opal Sato was henceforth disowned by one Crystal Elise Remmington and would be formally disinherited in the will of one Reginald Kevin Remmington as his sole granddaughter.

A strange confusion descended over me as I finished the second document and placed them on the table in front of me. I had always known my parents hated me. It was a simple fact of life. I never would have been so callous to actually try and claim any sort of inheritance from people that I had wronged so much just from being born... But the fact that they had legally severed all ties between themselves and me... and in the packet from my father's lawyer there had even been a restraining order set against me...

"What... do I do about this...?" I asked myself aloud, surprised at how oddly the words echoed throughout my head. Like the sound of a rock pinging off the walls of a very deep and dark cave.

My thoughts immediately went to Auntie. I reached for my phone in my pocket... but I stopped just as my fingertips brushed the edge of the opening.

Auntie will be furious if she finds out, I thought to myself. I shouldn't bother her with something like this...

But even as that thought formed in my head my heart clenched. I desperately wanted to show this to someone. I needed to make sense of how I was feeling, but my brain was both completely overwhelmed yet numb at the same time. I felt like something inside of me was dangerously close to crumbling.

Nathaniel... His kind and understanding expression appeared in my mind's eye and I bit my bottom lip. I knew Nathaniel was busy. He was speaking with his dad today... but I could think of no one else that could possibly decipher the myriad of emotions that were rushing through me right now.

Almost on autopilot, I stood up, replaced the disownment notices into their envelopes, and left Auntie's apartment. It was an overcast day, making it cooler than usual for early spring, but I hardly noticed the chill in the air as I walked robotically down the path towards the school. It took about 15 minutes to walk to the school and twenty minutes after that to get to Nathaniel's home, but there was plenty to occupy my thoughts as I walked doggedly forward.

I just don't know how I am supposed to feel about this, I wailed in my mind, trying desperately to keep my tears from falling. If Father, Mother, and even Grandfather have disowned me, does that mean they are happy now? Should I be happy about this? But Mother's name was listed as Remmington, so that means the divorce must have finally gone through. But if they've disowned me then couldn't they be happy again together? And... does this mean I really will never have a chance to apologize to them properly?

My mind was a hive of circling thoughts that had no end in sight. Even as I battled to understand how I was supposed to react to this, the only thing I could think of was Nathaniel. I was sure that Nathaniel would know what to do. Even if he told me to ignore it and throw the papers away, at least that would put an end to these endless thoughts that were threatening to drag me into the black abyss of self-loathing that I had not experienced since I finally came clean to Nathaniel and Auntie about my dark past.

"Opal! What are you doing here?" I blinked, dragging myself with difficulty out of the soupy mess of my thoughts, and turned my head up to see who had called my name.

I frowned slightly when my eyes met the clear green eyes and jovial smile of Nathaniel's mom and I glanced over to see that Amber was standing just behind her with a look of disdain on her face directed towards me. I frowned again when I saw them walking down the steps from their front door and I felt my body turning towards the Anderson's driveway to walk up to them.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Anderson. I... uh... I was hoping I could see Nathaniel," I said awkwardly, realizing that I should have called ahead before showing up on his doorstep.

"Oh," Mrs. Anderson said, looking back at the house awkwardly. "I'm sure he would love to see you, dear, but he and Malcolm have just started a motivational meeting."

All of my own worries and fears instantly froze. My arms fell to my sides, dropping the envelopes with my parents' notices which were now completely forgotten.

"Oh my goodness! Let me help..." Mrs. Anderson began saying, moving towards my fallen envelopes. 

I met her gaze, not able to keep the horror flooding my entire soul from showing in my expression. She froze midstep.

"Did you say... motivational meeting?" I choked out past an inexplicably dry throat. Mrs. Anderson's eyes widened in shock but Amber let out a rough snort.

"It's nothing that concerns you. Nathaniel stupidly said he hasn't decided which university he's going to and so Dad is going to talk some sense into him while Mom and I go on a date. So you're not needed here," Amber sniffed while tossing her long curls over her shoulder. 

My heart was beating so quickly that it was becoming difficult to breathe and Mrs. Anderson's expression was a mask of deep concern.

"Opal, what's wrong? You look like you're about to faint," Mrs. Anderson said with an aching kindness. I turned away from her though and looked at the closed front door of their grand home.

"I have to stop him," I breathed out, more to myself than anyone else. My feet leaped into action before I had even thought to move and I bounded towards the door.

"What is wrong with you?" Amber's derisive voice sneered after me, but I hardly even registered her words.

I wrenched open the door and glanced around frantically, trying to remember what Nathaniel had told me about when his dad would have his 'motivational meetings'. Recalling that he normally called Nathaniel to his study, I kicked off my shoes and then ran towards the stairs, taking them two at a time as I heard Mrs. Anderson call my name from somewhere beyond the open door.

My chest was heaving by the time I was up on the second floor, not from the exertion, but from the fear that was rippling through me.

Please don't let him hurt Nathaniel. Please!

I came to a screeching halt outside of the door Nathaniel had told me was his Dad's office and tried to steady my breath. Not sure what to do, I nervously wrung my fingers together and leaned my ear towards the door.

"There are no other options for a university," Malcolm's voice barked out deep and loud from behind the door, making me wince in sympathy for Nathaniel. "You were accepted into Harvard so that is your only choice."

"No, Dad." My eyes widened and I placed a hand against my mouth, completely shocked to hear Nathaniel's voice strong and resolute as he disagreed with his dad. "Harvard may look good on a resume, but it's not worth it if I have to live apart from Opal."

Tears sprang unbidden to my eyes at this completely unexpected declaration. I pressed my hand to my mouth even tighter as a disgusted snarl emanated from the room beyond the door.

"Don't be an idiot, boy, think about your future. Basing a decision this important on something as fleeting as a crush is ludicrous! She will never be a suitable wife for you as a mayor anyways," Mr. Anderson snarled and I flinched heavily at that.

"I am your son and so I have respected your wishes and done everything you ever asked me to. But I have never wanted to follow in your footsteps, Dad. For the first time in my life, I have found someone who is willing to accept me just for who I am. And there is no way I'm letting you get between us," Nathaniel's voice was strong and determined and I blinked rapidly to keep my tears from falling.

Mrs. Anderson's warbling voice called out my name softly from somewhere downstairs, her tone more bewildered than angry. However, Malcolm began speaking again and I had no intention of moving from my post.

"The mayor's seat has been in our family for over forty years. Sweet Amoris is OUR town and I will not let you throw it away for some filthy girl!" 

Mr. Anderson's voice was loud enough that I didn't have to press my ear against the door and I had to hold back a gasp as he called me a 'filthy girl'. The image of the disownment notices I had left behind on the ground surfaced in my mind's eye and I couldn't help but wonder if that was how Father and Mother saw me too.

"Opal is not filthy!" Nathaniel's words drifted over me like an invisible healing wave, banishing the sad thoughts from my mind. Shaking my head, I refocused and continued listening, ignoring the soft call of my name from downstairs. "And the town is called Sweet Amoris, not Andersonville. We live in a democratic nation, Dad, so whoever is the mayor is only there because of the decision of the voters of Sweet Amoris. I'm sure they'll find a perfectly good candidate without me being in the running."

A dark laugh rumbled from behind the door I was pressed to and cold sweat dripped down my spine.

"Pretty words," Malcolm breathed out with a savage chuckle, "But something you need to learn, boy, is that the world is based on survival of the fittest. So why don't you put your fists where your mouth is and I'll teach you what happens when you decide to stop pushing to be the top dog."

My blood boiled with unfettered rage. This was a tone I was very familiar with, although the voice was different from the one in my memories, and I was not going to sit back and let this happen. Without a second's hesitation, I threw the door open and dashed to Nathaniel's side.

"Opal!" Nathaniel gasped.

His eyes were wide and their golden depths flooded with fear as they met mine. But just as quickly as his fear came in, it was replaced with a protectiveness that made my breath catch in my throat. Nathaniel quickly put himself between me and his dad, who was in the middle of strapping on a bulky red boxing glove. Rage poured from his eyes like lava down a mountain but I took Nathaniel's hand and came out from behind him, taking my spot by his side.

"How dare you enter my house without permission, girl. You are meddling in something you shouldn't be." 

The threat in his voice was evident, but I stood my ground and glared at him.

"How dare YOU call yourself a father," I spat at him with more enmity than I thought I could possibly feel. "How dare you tell Nathaniel what he can and can't do. He may be your son but he is his own person and deserves to live his life the way he chooses."

"I mean it, little girl. You had better get out before I get angry." His words were laced with poison and Nathaniel once again tried to shield me with his body.

"Leave her alone, Dad!" Nathaniel yelled when suddenly Amber and Mrs. Anderson came running through the door.

"What is going on?" Mrs. Anderson asked sharply, and I couldn't help but notice she was holding the envelopes I dropped earlier.

"This doesn't concern you, June!" Mr. Anderson snarled as he walked deliberately around his desk and I heard both Amber and her mom gasp in shock. "Nathaniel and I are having a chat. Take Blossom out shopping," Malcolm ordered without even looking at his wife.

I looked between Nathaniel who was trying to shield me, Mrs. Anderson whose mouth was gaping open with shock and confusion, and then the malicious glint in Malcolm's eye even as he tried to hide the boxing glove from his wife's view. I silently pleaded that Nathaniel would forgive me before taking a deep, steadying breath.

"Mr. Anderson beats Nathaniel!" I shouted, pointing a finger at the intimidating man in front of me. "When you and Amber leave he takes Nathaniel into his study and beats him so that he won't ever want to fail again..."

"SHUT UP!" Mr. Anderson roared, slamming his unprotected fist onto the top of his desk. 

The violent noise resembled a crack of thunder and I instinctively latched onto Nathaniel's arm, feeling my entire body trembling as I felt the anger radiating from the man in front of me. His lips twisted into a disgusted sneer and for a moment I thought I saw a white scar stretch across his lips, but I quickly shook my head, banishing the strange vision of my father.

"Malcolm!" Mrs. Anderson yelled in horror. "It's not true!" she gasped. 

I was surprised to see that the emotion that was masking her beautiful, kind face was not only disbelief... but betrayal.

"Don't listen to her," Malcolm growled, looking between Nathaniel, me, and his wife. "Nothing good has happened since this slut has come into Nathaniel's life. You'd really believe her words over mine?"

"What did you call her?" Nathaniel's voice was low and dark as he glared with open hatred at his dad. The arm I was holding went taught and I immediately held tighter to him as he jerked towards his dad, his hands clenched tightly into fists.

"Answer me, Malcolm," Mrs. Anderson demanded, taking a step into the study while Amber cowered by the door, looking completely terrified. "Have you been hitting our son?"

"I'm not abusive, June," Malcolm spat, dropping his hand with the boxing glove on it to hide behind his leg and giving her a strangely challenging expression. "What right do you have to look at me like I'm a monster?" he asked in a rumbling tone. 

My entire body crackled with anger as I saw Mrs. Anderson's eyes dart uncertainly from her husband to Nathaniel, who was still glaring at his dad with open hatred.

"I've seen it!" I said, feeling tears beginning to form in my eyes and Nathaniel's arm flinched a bit under my hands. "Nathaniel's back, ribs, and chest were covered in bruises because Mr. Anderson beat him when he found out I was the valedictorian..."

My words cut off in a sob as all of the guilt that I had felt when I discovered that I had been the cause for Nathaniel's beating rushed through me. Before I could even cover my mouth to get ahold of myself though, Mr. Anderson turned anger-crazed eyes towards me. In two swift steps he crossed the room and raised his uncovered hand up to backhand me. Reacting on instinct, I let go of Nathaniel and took a step back as I folded backwards by my waist, barely managing to dodge the attack.

"Don't touch her!" Nathaniel roared, leaping in front of me protectively.

Seemingly blinded by rage at this point, Malcolm swung his gloved fist into Nathaniel's abdomen so hard that he let out a choking gasp and fell onto his back from the force of it.

"NATHANIEL!" I screeched.

My mind, which had been a swirl of emotions and memories attempting to overtake me, suddenly went quiet. Allowing everything around me to fade away, I got into a defensive position and glided over to stand in front of Nathaniel as I met the eyes of the man who had been hurting him for years.

Malcolm swung towards my face and I met it with a high kick, knocking his fist to the side before jumping out of his reach, drawing him away from Nathaniel. I could hear shouts from the door, but I focused completely on the man in front of me as he charged. Throwing my body backward I landed on my hands and kicked Mr. Anderson underneath the chin as my legs flew upwards and then back down in an arc. I popped up and got into a defensive karate position as he stumbled for a second, letting out a feral growl of rage, but like lightning he was on the attack again.

Boxing and karate, although both forms of martial arts, were very different in technique. Malcolm's punches were heavy as anvils as I blocked them with kicks or just swiped them away from their target. Luckily I seemed to have an advantage in agility and even when he lashed out, trying to kick my legs out from under me, I managed to jump over his leg and tumble to the side before popping up again. With my current strength, I had no idea how I was supposed to attack a bear like him, but I honestly didn't want to hurt him. I just wanted to protect Nathaniel.

As he came in for another punch I looked into Malcolm's eyes, which were the same color as Nathaniel's, but I realized they looked the exact same as my father's. Dark. Cold. Filled with nothing but hate and rage.

The realization caused my brain to reel and I was a second too late to block the punch as it connected squarely with my cheekbone. I fell to the ground just as Nathaniel leaped over me and tackled Mr. Anderson, wrestling him to the ground. Stars seemed to float in the corner of my eyes. I shook my head, desperately trying to focus on Nathaniel and his dad rolling around on the ground as they traded blows.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Mrs. Anderson screamed.

Instantly Nathaniel let go of his dad and stumbled away from him. I crawled over to him and placed both hands on his cheeks, searching every inch of his face as a searing dread clutched my heart.

"I'm okay," he gasped as he reached out and gathered me into his arms. 

He pulled me onto his lap, securely wrapping one arm around my waist and his other hand rested against the back of my neck, pressing me tightly against his heaving chest. I immediately wrapped my arms around his waist as we both looked over to where Mrs. Anderson was standing. 

The delicate woman that looked like she couldn't have hurt a fly if she tried was shaking from head to toe with unrestrained fury as she fixed a glare that could have withered a tree onto her husband. He picked himself up and met her rage-filled gaze with his own.

"Get out," Mrs. Anderson said through clenched teeth. Malcolm flushed with fury and opened his mouth but she pointed towards the door and yelled, "GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!"

Malcolm threw a hate-filled glare at me but surprisingly he obeyed and stormed away. I could hear his heavy footsteps tromp down the stairs and moments later a thud that seemed to shake the entire house sounded as the front door slammed behind him.

Mrs. Anderson fell to her knees and Amber knelt next to her, taking her hand in her own. Mutely, Mrs. Anderson looked over at Nathaniel and I as we sat on the floor, holding each other tightly. Her face filled with pain as she met my eyes.

"Is it true?" she whispered before her gaze slid to Nathaniel as she asked, "Did he really beat you?" 

Nathaniel nodded with a shame filled face and I held him tighter. I had never meant to betray my promise to Nathaniel to keep his secret... but I couldn't bear the thought of him suffering by himself any longer. A tear slid down Mrs. Anderson's cheek and Amber let out a strangled cry.

"You were always so perfect! I couldn't stand it; so I always tattled on you... but I thought he just chewed you out! I didn't think.... If I had known..." Amber looked at Nathaniel with tear-filled eyes and his gaze softened.

"It's okay, Amber. You didn't know."

"But I should have."

We all looked at Mrs. Anderson who looked like all the happiness had been sucked out of her, leaving her an empty shell.

"Malcolm was always like this. He always spoke with his fists. When we were in high school I thought it was so attractive; I would brag that my boyfriend was the strongest in the whole school. But then I saw him hit you when you were only a little boy and I couldn't believe it." Mrs. Anderson looked up at Nathaniel as tears began to trickle one by one from the corner of her eyes.

"He promised he wouldn't do it again. I watched him so closely and he kept his word so I thought that was the last of it... To think he's been hurting you right under my nose. Why didn't you tell me?" Her voice broke as pain and desperation seemed to spill out of her.

Nathaniel looked like he was about to cry too and I leaned my forehead against the base of his chin, trying to give him any comfort that I could offer. I could feel him swallow before he said, "I wanted to prove I was good enough. That I could do anything Dad wanted me to do without him calling me a failure and teaching me a lesson."

Mrs. Anderson covered her eyes with her hand as her shoulders shook from her tears. Amber held her and we all were silent for a time.

Now that the adrenaline had begun to dissipate my cheek and eye were beginning to throb and I wondered if I'd actually gotten a black eye. It would be my first since Father had been forbidden to touch my face. Mrs. Anderson heaved a large sigh and wiped the tears off her face before looking up at me and Nathaniel. Slowly she stood and walked over to us, then knelt down and gathered both of us into her arms.

"I'm so sorry for not realizing, Nathaniel. And Opal... thank you." 

Amber walked over and sat next to Nathaniel. I immediately moved my left arm from around his ribs and Amber gave me a grateful look as she hugged her brother.

"It's not your fault, Mom. I didn't want you to know," Nathaniel whispered and Mrs. Anderson sighed.

When she and Amber finally pulled away they sat in front of us with Amber holding Nathaniel's hand. I felt a little awkward sitting in his lap but his arm was still wrapped protectively around me so I stayed where I was, leaning against his left side.

"What are we going to do now, Mom?" Amber asked in a shaky voice, pulling slightly away from Nathaniel to show her face was filled with confusion.

Mrs. Anderson's eyes hardened and her mouth set into a determined line as she proclaimed, "I'll give him an ultimatum. He can either move out and not come back until he's gotten counseling, or I'll divorce him and charge him with child abuse."

Amber gasped but then nodded as silent tears slipped down her cheeks. I felt sorry for her. How horrible must it be to find out that the man who adored and cherished her had been hurting her brother at the same time?

"Do you think it's safe for you to stay here?" Nathaniel asked worriedly and Mrs. Anderson nodded.

"He would never hurt me, or Amber. Before today I had never seen him hit a woman before." 

She turned sorrowful eyes towards me and reached out to lightly touch my cheek. I winced as she made contact with the tender skin and her eyes became moist again.

"I'm so sorry, Opal. I can't believe he..." As Mrs. Anderson trailed off, overcome with emotion, I couldn't help but smile softly and I took her hand in mine.

"It's alright, Mrs. Anderson. I couldn't let him hurt Nathaniel anymore," I said softly and firmly.

Any injury was worth protecting the one I loved, and I recalled when Nathaniel had said something similar to me back when I realized I was inadvertently the reason his Dad beat him. Mrs. Anderson chuckled humorlessly and shook her head.

"Please, dear, call me June. You've earned your spot in our family," she said sadly.

I nodded slowly, confused because her words had seemed to hold a hidden meaning to them. June looked at me with tears shimmering in her green eyes and then she slowly extended the envelopes I dropped on their driveway. My eyes widened and I felt shame descend over me as I reached out and quickly took the envelopes, tucking them in the small space between my and Nathaniel's chests and I looked hesitantly over at June. She licked her lips and shook her head.

"I won't press you for details now, dear," she said quietly, and I could feel Nathaniel's head shift as he looked down at the large envelopes between us. "Just know that I will always be grateful to you. Thank you for protecting my son and helping him finally free himself from my husband."

Nathaniel's head shifted once again and I could feel his chin brush against my temple as he spoke.

"Mom, I've decided not to go to Harvard. And I don't want to be a lawyer," Nathaniel said firmly, tightening his grip around my waist. 

I glanced up at his determined expression and looked over to see June smiling at him, although sadness was still radiating through her body language.

"I always thought that you wanted to carry on the legacy your father was so proud of," June said with a sad smile before reaching out and brushing her hand along her son's cheek. "Nathaniel, I love you. As long as you are happy, then I don't care what you choose as your career."

Nathaniel's shoulders slumped in relief and he nodded gratefully to his mom. I blushed a little bit when Nathaniel dropped his chin and kissed the top of my head gently, even though June and Amber were both watching.

June smiled at both of us before standing up and brushing her knees off absently. After staring at the single boxing glove that Malcolm had left on his desk, she turned back and frowned sadly at Nathaniel.

"I don't think it's a good idea for you to stay here tonight, Nathaniel. Malcolm will come back and I don't know what he will do if he sees you." The pain in her voice as she said that was obvious and she had to cover her hand with her mouth as she tried to regain her composure.

"But where will he go?" Amber asked with tear-filled eyes as she gripped her brother's hand. "I don't want him to go."

"It's for the best, sweet pea," June said sweetly, caressing her daughter's hair comfortingly. "I hate to ask this of you after all you've done, Opal, but could Nathaniel stay with you until I settle things with Malcolm?"

I blinked in surprise but instantly nodded, knowing that Auntie would understand once we explained the situation to her. Nathaniel's grip on me tightened as he looked at June and Amber.

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Nathaniel asked, worry making his voice seem thicker than usual. June gave a pained smile but nodded firmly.

"I know your father. Even if he is angry he would never hurt me or Amber; I think we're the only ones who could calm him down after something like this. Take your phone with you and I'll call you once everything has been settled, okay?" she instructed. 

Nathaniel searched his mother's face for several seconds before silently nodding his agreement. He gently pushed up on my waist, prompting me to stand, and he soon followed suit.

June rushed forward and surrounded me in a shaky embrace as she tried to control her emotions. I returned her hug as tears burned in the back of my own eyes. I hadn't meant to hurt Nathaniel's family, but I was glad that the truth was finally known. When she pulled back she gave me a shaky smile and reached up to stroke my cheek.

"You're such a good girl. Take care of my Nathaniel, okay?"

"I promise," I whispered, emotion making my words catch in my throat.

She smiled shakily and we turned to see Nathaniel patting Amber's back as he rocked her back and forth in a loving embrace. When they finally pulled apart Nathaniel took my hand and led me back to his room. Silently he placed a change of clothes into his empty backpack and I followed him into the bathroom where he gathered his toothbrush and razor. I kept my face down as my mind replayed the sight of Mr. Anderson's eyes shining with the same intensity and hate that my own father's had on so many occasions.

"Hey." I felt Nathaniel cup a hand underneath my chin and I allowed him to guide my head up so I could look into his deep golden eyes. "Are you okay?" he whispered tenderly. A lump formed in my throat and I swallowed with difficulty.

"What your dad was doing was wrong," I whispered and Nathaniel nodded slowly. "His eyes.... his eyes were just like my father's. If what your dad was doing was wrong then does that mean..."

Nathaniel's eyes widened in surprise and then softened as he circled his hand around my head and pulled me gently against his chest. I could hear his steady heartbeat as he leaned down and whispered into my ear.

"Your dad was wrong too, Opal. And both he and my dad will never hurt us again." 

I leaned against his strong chest but was shocked at the pain that radiated throughout my entire body. The envelopes I was holding in my hand seemed to burn my palm with the promise that I would never have the chance to improve my relationship with my parents. Even though they had hurt me... I'd always hoped that someday I could earn their forgiveness.

"Are you sure you're okay, Opal? You're trembling," Nathaniel commented quietly while wrapping his arm around my shoulder and holding me gently against himself. I blinked back tears and forced myself to nod.

"We should leave before your dad comes back," I whispered against his shoulder.

Nathaniel pulled back and frowned, cupping my cheeks in his hands and staring into my eyes. I tried, but I just couldn't force a smile as Nathaniel studied me. He frowned deeply but he must have understood my silent plea to not bring it up right now and he slowly let his hands drop from my face.

"We'll talk later," Nathaniel said quietly. I nodded gratefully, lifting the envelopes in my hand so I could hold them against my stomach.

Nathaniel finished packing and we said our goodbyes to June and Amber. He gave his mom and Amber one final hug each before slipping his hand into mine and leading me to his car. I couldn't help but look back at the open doorway and felt my heart sink as I saw Amber holding onto her mom while bawling loudly. Feeling both guilt and a strange sense of relief, I slipped into the passenger side seat and Nathaniel closed the door behind me before getting in and driving slowly out of the driveway.

Once we had lost sight of Nathaniel's home, I felt something in the air change and I glanced over to see Nathaniel's face filled with grief.

"What's wrong, Nathaniel?" I asked, reaching out and taking his hand in mine. He squeezed my fingers tightly as he brought his car to a stop at a red streetlight.

"I should have protected you. When he started fighting you; I should have protected you." Guilt seemed to flow from his words and charged the air with unhappiness. 

Reaching up, I touched my throbbing cheek thoughtfully before slowly lowering it and cupping it around his hand holding mine. Slowly, purposefully, I lifted his hand to my mouth, kissing his fingers gently. He looked over at me with astonishment and I smiled at him, all thoughts of my parents fading away as I met his guilt-filled gaze.

"I was happy to fight for you, Nathaniel. And you did protect me. When I went down you were right there. You fought your own father to protect me." 

The light turned green but Nathaniel continued to stare into my eyes. I smiled at him and nodded soothingly.

"Just remember, I'm in love with you, too. So you have to let me protect you when I can."

A single tear slid down Nathaniel's cheek and I reached out to brush it away. He laughed lightly just as a horn blared behind us. We both laughed and Nathaniel continued down the road.