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Cutting“I always believed in us You were the one who held me apart”

“You knoasn’t like that” His low voice is urgent “I wanted to protect you”

“That excuse is only good once, not after you promised me—”

“Da to break my promise”

“Still, you lied—”

“No Lying implies deception I never tried to deceive you”

“You conveniently oh because Star was being blackmailed!”

“I didn’t want you to feel responsible”

“Responsible? How could I feel responsible? You never let me in!”

“May, tank?” Our voices have grown too loud and Dex toddles in the roo his toy in one hand and his new bear in the other I bend down to pick him up, but I have to look away from the break in Derek’s eyes

“I need you to giveas I say the words

Derek steps toward us, but I turn my back

“Stop this,” he pleads “Why are you doing this?”

“I’ve lived that life I’ve been with someone who acted one way before ere ed”

“I’rowl