Off Sides (Darby U Hockey Boys, #3)

by Andi Jaxon

For all the oldest children who were forced to take on too much responsibility, I see you. For the kids who needed their parents but weren’t the priority, I see you too.

Being the oldest means I have to keep it together when I want to fall apart. Char and Matt look to me to stand strong during the hard times but no one is ever there when I need it.

“You can’t ever forget me now.” “I don’t think that would be possible, even before this.” I nod at the food in his hand. “Why’s that?” I take a minute to answer him, not sure what to say or how to say it, I guess. I’m afraid it’ll sound weird or clingy. “I—” I cut myself off and take a deep breath. “You make me feel worthy? Important?”

For once in my fucking life, I don’t have to think about the consequences, implications, what is expected of me. All I have to do is feel and let him take care of me. It’s a completely foreign concept. No one takes care of me.