Chapter 16

As we walked away from the balcony, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Jason's words echoed in my mind - "You're safe now, and it will never happen again." I wanted to believe him, I really did.

We walked in silence for a while, Jason's hand still holding mine. It was a comforting feeling, like he was anchoring me to the present. I probably should have fought it but I didn't. Instead, I embraced it.

Eventually, we reached the living room, and Jason let go of my hand to sit down on the couch. He patted the space next to him, inviting me to sit.

I hesitated for a moment, looking around unsurely.

"It's okay. We're alone. Polina went home to see her grandkids and Violet has the day off. And Bree is at that party on the beach" he said, assuringly. It was meant to make me feel calmer and it did but at the same time, the thought of us being alone made me feel things.

I pushed the odd thoughts out of my head before sitting down beside him.

"Talk to me Andy," he started and I turned to face him.

"Tell me what's going on in your head" He said and I looked away, sighing deeply.

"Or we can just sit and enjoy the silence. No pressure" he said, assuringly.

I chuckled wryly before I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. Did I want to talk about it? I wasn't even sure but something in his voice was compelling. Where do I even start? Minutes flew by as I gathered my thoughts and it made me sure that he probably thought I didn't plan to say anything.

"I just- I feel so lost," I said finally. "Like I'm stuck in this never-ending nightmare. First, in that alley back home and now, this. And the ocean, the smell in the air, everything about that view from the balcony... it just- it brings it all back." I explained.

Jason looked at me with a gentle expression as he raked his hand through his hair.

"Honestly, I'd be lying if I said I understand exactly what you're going through," he started, pausing to look at me in the eye.
"But I just know that you'll get through this. I barely know you, Andy, but I know that you're strong. You've survived everything that's happened to you so far, and I know you will eventually be fine."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked at him. His words weren't meant to fix everything, but they were meant to comfort, and they did.

"I just feel so lost," I repeated, feeling a bit silly for saying it again.

Jason nodded. "I know. But you're not alone. And even if I don't fully understand what you're going through, I'm here to support you. We'll figure it out together, okay?"

I nodded, feeling a small sense of hope. I know I probably shouldn't be figuring things out with my roommate's father but everything felt better now.

"Thank you Jason" I whispered softly and he smiled.

"Come on. That's what friends are for, right?" He said and I froze.

"Friends?" I blurted out before thinking.

Jason's smile faltered for a moment, and he looked at me with a hint of surprise.
"Yeah, friends," he repeated, his voice a little softer.
"I mean, we're not exactly traditional friends, given our situation, but... I don't know, Andy. I feel like we can at least be friends, you know?" He said.

I felt a flutter in my chest as I looked at him. No one had ever called me a friend before, at least not like that. And definitely not someone like Jason Miller. The only friend I have ever had was Rosalie and Bree. Rosalie was meant to be my best friend and we know how that turned out.

"I... yeah," I stuttered, trying to play it cool.

"Friends sounds good, I guess" I eventually said.

No harm in being friends, right?

Jason chuckled.
"I'll take that as a yes," he said with a grin.
"So, friends it is." He said and I could tell he was slightly excited but he didn't want to show it.

We sat there in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying each other's company. Then Jason spoke up again.

"Hey, Andy? Can I ask you something?" He said.

"Sure," I replied, curious.

"What do you say to getting out of here for a bit? I know a great spot not too far from here. We could grab some dinner, go for a drive... take your mind off things." He said and my mouth parted at how forward he was.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I was ready to venture out with him that way.
But his enthusiasm was infectious, and the idea of escaping the mansion's suffocating atmosphere was tempting.

"Okay," I said finally, smiling.
"That sounds nice." I said.

"Great! I'll go grab the keys. Meet me outside in ten minutes?" He asked.

"Make it fifteen" I said and he nodded.

"Great" he said and I got up and made my way up the stairs and to my room.

I walked into my room, feeling a mix of emotions. I was excited to finally spend time with Jason. I've been so curious about him and the urge to get to know him has been high. But then I was also nervous about what it meant.

Were we really just friends? And what did that even look like, given our situation?

But all that worry didn't stop the squeal that escaped my lips and the bounce that I had to my feet.

I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on getting ready. I changed into a comfortable pair of jeans and a soft sweater, and brushed my hair out of my face.

As I made my way downstairs, I could feel my heart beating a little faster. What were we going to do tonight? And what did Jason have planned?

I saw Jason waiting by the door, looking relaxed and casual in a pair of dark jeans and a gray shirt. He smiled when he saw me, and I felt a flutter in my chest.

"Ready?" he asked, holding up the keys.

I nodded, suddenly feeling a sense of adventure wash over me. "Yeah, let's go."

Pfft. I wasn't even the adventurous type.

We walked out to the car, and Jason opened the door for me. He opened the door for me. Oh gosh. I froze momentarily.
Not to compare, but that piece of shit, Peter, never did anything of the sort and it almost made me forget how I should actually be treated.

He raised a brow in worry but I just smiled and I got in. Phew, hopefully this ended up being an amazing night.

As we drove away from the mansion, Jason fiddled with the speaker in the car and soon enough, we settled on a song that fit the atmosphere.

Maybe this was exactly what I needed. A night out with a 'friend', away from the mansion. It felt like I was doing something wrong but that feeling almost set me on fire. It was so spontaneous and I loved it.

I glanced over at Jason, who was humming to the music playing as he drove, his fingers tapping the steering wheel, flowing with the beat of the song.

One thing I realized in that moment was that Jason Miller was not your conventional father. And in a more modern term, he was so freaking cool.