Chapter 37

Blaire.

The ruthless sound of thunder made me scream. It was nine in the evening. I went down to the kitchen to drink milk before I went to bed.

It was right here in the kitchen. I remembered being here with my mother. Lightning struck, illuminating the dim room, followed by the crashing sound of thunder. I was so scared and ran to my mother for comfort. But instead, she pushed me away and used the belt on me.

I remembered Zach’s face that day. I saw the exact moment my mother’s belt hit his skin. He took the hit for me. He even tried to smile through it, to assure me he was okay. But I knew he was hurting.

Tears rolled down my cheeks without me realizing it. I started shaking in fear. This was my weakness, my fear.

Suddenly, I felt arms circled around my waist, and I felt the familiar warmth of Zach’s body against mine.

“Baby girl,” he whispered.

I turned around and hugged him. “Zachary!” I cried out.

“It’s ok