Broken World Read Free Page A

voice again. “If I thought that, I wouldn’t have come back at all. I’m late, yes, but I’m here now.”
    “Right. Until I do something that embarrasses Daddy or the family.”
    “Even if you do something Daddy opposes.”
    I look at him. I don’t know him well enough to read him, and he’s got Daddy’s poker face. He can’t know how confused I am or what I’m considering doing, but his words make me think he might.
    “We’ll see.”
    “Mia, I’m serious. What happened to you is inexcusable. If I knew who did this, I’d do everything I could to help you get him.”
    “Them,” I correct him. “There were two.”
    “My god, Mia.”
    “And I’m the one doing community service.”
    Joseph frowns. Exhausted, I leave him and go to my room. I can’t help thinking of the rapport between Dom and Gianna. He’d given her a ride to work when her car broke down. I haven’t seen my half-brother in person in years.
    Joseph is more of a stranger to me than Dom. I don’t know if I can trust Joseph or if he’ll turn his back on me the moment I do something Daddy disapproves of. He admitted that he and Molly have always resented me. I don’t know how they can suddenly not.
    I trust Dom more than my own brother, maybe because I understand Dom’s ulterior motive in talking to me. I don’t know anything about Joseph, aside from his official story.
    I hate being so confused about my own family.
    “I need to rest,” I tell Joseph and start away.
    “I’m here if you need me,” he calls.
    “Okay.”
    The minute I reach my room, I grab my journal and start writing.
     
    I sat through the most depressing session today at the clinic. Did you know there are a lot of girls my age who end up knocked up after being raped? The ones at the clinic are way too poor to go to a real doctor. I don’t know what to think…part of me is sad for them and part of me can’t stop thinking that I just want to hide under a rock.
    Joseph is here.
     
    I pause, too mixed up about his appearance and words to write what I feel.
     
    He almost seems like he wants to help. I don’t know what to think about that, either... I hardly know him. I always thought he’d be like Daddy, and I know I can’t trust Daddy at all. I’m so afraid of being hurt again. I wish we had a relationship like Dom and Gianna’s. Dom would never let anyone hurt his sisters, and he’d never betray them either.
    I don’t know if the same is true for Joseph. Or Molly. I’m meeting her tomorrow morning for brunch. I’m kinda scared. She’s always looked down at me. Will she be decent like Joseph?
     
    I’m mentally and physically exhausted. The session at the clinic sticks with me, and I can’t think of those other girls without wishing I wasn’t too screwed up to know how to help them.
     

     
    The next morning, I ride alone in the car to meet Molly for brunch. Grudgingly, I have to admit Dr. Thompkins is right. It’s getting easier to go out. I still feel nervous and worried someone will grab me. My phone has become my crutch, and I clench it in my hands. Dr. Thompkins says that’s okay for now.
     Molly is already seated drinking coffee when I arrive. She’s well-dressed, her make-up flawless. Like mom, she’s a natural beauty with perfect features, a slender shape and bright blue eyes. My gaze goes at once to her huge engagement ring. In comparison, I feel like a dirty slob. I’m dressed in jeans, even if they’re expensive ones.
    “Nice rock,” I say, sitting.
    Her insincere smile tells me she thinks I’m being crass. I didn’t go to the Southern finishing schools she did.
    “I’ve ordered for you,” she says, her cultured, heavy Southern accent rolling off her soft voice.
    “Thanks.”
    “Joseph’s in town.”
    “Yeah, I know. How’s the wedding planning going?” I ask.
    “Exhausting. I’ve hired three assistants, and it’s still overwhelming.”
    “Hmmm.” What do I say to that? Molly’s nails are always perfectly manicured