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"I don’t want your fucking help," he roars "I don’t want your fucking pity Stop treatingdead!"

Tears well in le to breathe The door opens behind me and I feel hands on my shoulders

"Go, Avery"

It’s Kelly

I turn and rush froh the crowd, pushing until I reach the front door I burst out and run to h my pockets--dammit, I can’t find my keys I shove both hands in, but they’re eh the , and scream in frustration when I see I’ve locked thery I look around helplessly for a o back inside I have a spare set at home I’ll just walk

I turn and walk off down the street, swipingdownpast et home, but I don’t care I just need a break--I need the walk Lia is I understand it He’s so broken, the forgotten child, and no matter how hard I try he won’t let

"Need a lift?"

I squeal and spin around, shocked by the voice that has suddenly popped up behind me I see Nate in a chunky truck that co out the , cigarette in his mouth, eyes fixed on me

"No," I ain

"Kelly told me you live at least a two-hour walk away It’s late, people are out that you don’t need to coerous and stupid Get in the car"

"I’

I don’t kno Iet out and throw you in," he orders

I stiffen and turn, glaring at hiape "Are you seriously counting at me? I’m not a child"

"Two"

"I don’t even know you"

"Three"

He swings the door open, leaving the truck running and takes two steps towards me Then he leans down, presses his shoulder toover his shoulder as if I weigh no more than a sack of potatoes I squeal and slap his back, but there’s no budging hier door and opens it, throwing me inside

"You’re a"