“Let me see it!” Rex, a man who rarely yells, does as soon as he comes into my view. His voice cracks when he continues, “I am going to kill whoever it was!”

“Babe,” Carolina says, her tone sharp as she shoots me a despaired look.

“No!” he shouts. “I am going to kill whoever put his hands on her!”

The room falls silent. I stifle back a scream of dread. My leg muscles tighten, begging for me to flee, but I can’t move.

I cannot speak or move.

No words are coming to me.

No excuse to justify why I’m hiding this.

I shoot a panicked glance to Lincoln, tears automatically approaching as a whimper leaves me.

That’s all I can manage.

A damn whimper as I cover my mouth.

He told them.

He lied to me.

Betrayed me.

Now, my entire family is standing in my living room, staring at me and waiting for answers.

Shock and pain reside in Lincoln’s eyes. He stands inches away from me, fists clenched, as we wait for whatever scene is about to unfold.

Rex’s hands are shaking. He went through a similar situation with Carolina’s ex giving her hell, and he knows the damage that can be done when someone decides they’re not finished with you yet. Next to him stands Carolina, a deep concern etched along her forehead.

Kyle stands next to Rex, his face reddened with fury. My mother scurries over to me, nearly tripping over the rug, and collapses on the couch a few inches to my right. Panic fills her voice as he says my name over and over again, tears in her eyes.

“You think I can’t hack into your shit and get answers in seconds?” Rex asks. “Who did this to you?” His attention briefly flicks to Kyle. “Wasn’t there a guy in her car when she was arrested? Who was it?”

Them not even considering it’s Lincoln confirms they heard the news from him.

Kyle shakes his head. “The guy wasn’t in the police report.” He throws his arm out toward me. “And this one here won’t budge on providing a name.”

“It doesn’t matter,” I cry out. “It’s over with.”

Lincoln curses underneath his breath at my response, but I don’t glance over at him.

I can’t.

Even though I should, so he could see the hurt and betrayal flowing through me.

I’m thankful that I’m wearing the hoodie. It’s been off and on today, depending on my mood. Whenever I get up to use the bathroom, I see myself in the mirror and put it back on. Then as I get warm, I take it off.

Rex steps forward. “It does matter! Someone beat you up!”

“Calm down,” Carolina tells him. “You guys can’t just barge in here and demand answers.”

“Damn straight we can,” Kyle inputs.