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secrets out

Everleighs POV:

I was pissed. Scratch that, I was beyond furious. How dare he ask why I came when I knew he was here. I’m not just his ex. I’m part of this family, and I have been way before we ever started dating. I looked up and realized that my mom, Hildamara( Colton's mom), and Daphne were all looking at me. My face got red because I knew they heard everything we said. Why did my mom make me come here? She knew this was going to happen. I mean, hell, I could have come on the day that Colton was going to be there. Daphne would have let me know.

“I'm so sorry he is an imbecile.” Daphne said, walking up to me with a plate full of food for Sophie.

“It's okay, Daph. I'm used to it now”. I laughed and tried to make a joke out of it, but it didn't really work. She could tell I was still struggling and I just about lost it right there in the kitchen with an empty plate in my hand.

“Seriously E, don’t let him get to you.” Her hand came to my shoulder and squeezed it. I took a deep breath and started packing some food on my plate, and then found a seat at the table next to my mom.

“How are you doing, honey?” She asked with a small smile.

“I’m okay, mom. Really. I’m okay”, I smiled back at her and started eating. Colton didn’t come down for a couple more minutes, but when he did, Daph didn’t waste any time getting up and meeting him in the kitchen. I laughed under my breath. Mostly because I did not want to be in her warpath when she was on a mission.

“So E, what have you been up to lately?” Hildi asked, putting down her fork and whipping her mouth with a napkin.

“Just work mostly, I actually have a girl staying with me right now as a temporary placement.” I popped a piece of bread in my mouth.

“What really? This is the first time I've heard of this!” Mom said, setting down her fork as well.

“Well, I haven't had the time to tell you because it happened just today.”

“Do you think you can handle that with other stuff you’ve got going on?” Mom asked. I could tell what she was hinting at. I shot her a look, hoping she would get the hint. Right then, Colton sat down in the chair in front of me. Out of all the chairs, it was the only one left. Lucky me, right?

“Like I said, it’s only temporary. Well, maybe. It’s Alaska, and I took Lauren today to a program, but I don’t think it will be enough for her to get her back. She asked me to adopt her.” Colton choked in the seat a cross for me, and from the looks of it, Daphne must have kicked him because he flinched right after.

“Everleigh. Don’t you think now is not the best time?” She asked.

“Mom please. Not now.” I shot her a look.

“E. Be rash. You are still too young for that.”

“Hey, me and E are the same age. Plus, I’m married and I have a kid”, Daph said, looking at Sophie.

“Exactly. I can handle it if it happens. Plus, I don’t need to be married to have a kid.” I smiled at Daphne, and she smiled back, almost laughing. Colton, on the other hand, looked pissed.

“This is ridiculous, E. I understand that Daph is married and has a kid. But you won’t be in the right state of mind when it comes time to testify-“

My heart dropped in my stomach, and my eyes started to burn. I can’t believe she just said that in front of everyone. She knows I haven’t even made a decision yet. I looked down at my hands, and could feel Colton's eyes on me.

“Testify? Like, as in, well what I think that means.” Daphne said, breaking the silence.

“E, I’m sorry.” mom put her hand on mine.

“If you’ll excuse me for a second.” I stood up and left the room. It wasn’t until I got to the bathroom down the hall that I let my tears fall. I sunk down to the floor and put my hand over my mouth to try and muffle my cry. A knock sounded on the door.

“E, are you in there?” Colton's voice shot through.

“Uh, yeah. Just needed a moment. I’m almost done.” I tried to sound okay, but it all came out like a squeaky teenager.

“E, open the door. Please” his voice was quiet.

“Colton, please. I’m okay”

“Everleigh. Open the door.” I knew the answer no wasn’t going to work so I unlocked the door and opened it. Colton rushed in and locked it behind him. I took one look and broke down right in front of him. He had me in his arms in a matter of seconds.

“Shh, it’s okay. I’m here. It’s okay” and I just stood there, cradled in his embrace, not ever wanting him to let go.

What am I going to do?