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I’ive her space, but at the same time, my mother’s words unnerve me

Pacing rab my phone and dial the one person I haven’t wanted to burden with all my Payton shit because deep down, I know she wouldn’t approve I call her anyway because the truth is, she is the only person who’s always been there for me and will be able to help

“Trent Took you long enough to call,” Ivy answers

“Hey, sis”

“You’ve been avoiding me”

“Not true I’ve just been—”

“Trent Aldridge,” she scolds, and I’m transported back to eleot into trouble Which, adood idea to henbro Don’t you think I knohen you’re lying?”

“Fine I’ve been avoiding you”

She laughs at my brutally honest answer “Spill”

And I do I start froh the entire ordeal because I’et to Payton Sue me

“I knew you wouldn’t approve,” I say when I finish

“Oh, really? You thought tor on the sarcasm heavier than I appreciate, but my actions asked for it

I shrug “Yes”

“At least you have the decency to sound sheepish”

We settle into silence

She breaks it with a soft sigh “Why are you calling, Trent? I know it’s not just because you miss me”

“I don’t knohat to doabout her”

“You need me to tell you it’s okay that you like her”

“No,” I respond, too fast

“Then what?”

I clearat the skin of ive me”

“You did nothing wrong”

“I didn’t protect you”

It’s the big regret ofwhen I wake up And every night when I go to bed

I didn’t protect my baby sister

How fucked is that?

“Trent,” Ivy whispers

I can hear the tears in her voice It drives the guilt deeper

“No,” I interrupt “Let ure out what apology would be adequate for soivable “I never protected you from Dad”