Chapter Fifteen

Madeline’s POV

“What are you afraid of?”

Andrew stares into my eyes with uncertainty, locking on my response. I think back to the past few months. How each talk with my psychotherapist led back to anxiety and control.

But I can’t get the image of my mother crying out of my mind.

And without thinking, I respond, “Being lied to.”

It’s true and I can’t take it back.

His face contorts in shock and, almost, repulse. Almost as if I changed the rotation of the earth or placement of the sun. Only a few inches, but still noticeable to his beautiful green eyes.

We sit in awkward silence for a while and I can't help but think we reversed all the progress made today.

With nothing to lose, I start off another conversation, “Did you know that stars don’t twinkle?’

That seems to break him out of thought. He turns his head towards me slowly, “Wh-? Sure Madeline, why don’t stars twinkle?” The question trails off, urging me to continue.