"Not when it costs you, Carl. She wouldn't want that."

"Well she's not going to find out so it doesn't matter."

"You need to get away from him, Carl. Get out of that house or something," she suggested after a few moments.

his eyebrows went up, " and do what? you don't' think people would ask questions? you don't think my mom would want to know why I just decided to leave the house? He would threaten to..." he shook his head, " I'm off to college next year."

"And then what? Whenever he and your mom visit, he does that to you? You have to tell her. Eventually she is going to find out. And she should hear it from you."

"Maybe she should but....I can't do that. after my dad left her it....she needs some happiness."

"Not at your expense, Carl. That's not how she would want it."

"Like I said, she'll never know so it makes no difference."

Brooklynn chewed on her lip for a few moments. How did that work in his head, that this was okay? It wasn't okay, not by any stretch of the imagination. "You're staying at my place tonight. And any night after it that you want," she said, grabbing his hand.

he looked at her, shocked and relieved, " really?" he asked not really wanting to believe it

She nodded. "Yes. Definitely. Besides, you never know when I am going to need your help," she forced a weak smile.

he smiled, " yeah...yeah you never know."

Her smile grew a little. "I hope that helps a little bit."

he nodded his hand tightening around hers, " yeah me too."

After a moment, she leaned over and hugged him. "I'm sorry."