The Swap

"Does it hurt?" I asked softly.

"It doesn't. Your hands are very gentle," Rick said.

"Didn't I tell you? If your dad hits you again, you should come straight to me."

He nodded, then whispered, "I remember. This time, as soon as he started hitting me, I ran out. But, Aunt Amelia... I lied. My dad didn't send me to find my mom. I just wanted to see you. You don't think I'm bad for lying, do you?"

"Of course not," I said firmly. "You're the best kid in the world."

His face lit up for a moment, but then he glanced down, murmuring so quietly. "Aunt Amelia, I wish you were my mom."

Tears welled up before I could stop them. I pulled him into my arms, holding him close as the sobs broke through.

"Be patient, sweet boy. I promise—I'll protect you."

After patching him up, I looked out the window and froze. Damian and Betty were coming down the stairs, each holding one of Hugo's hands. The three of them piled into the car.

I turned back to Rick. "Do you want a hamburger too?"

He hesitated, licking his lips like he wanted to say yes, but then he shook his head.

"Rick," I said gently, "don't lie to me, okay? If you want something, just tell me. Otherwise, I'll get mad."

He gave a shy nod, and I smiled, grabbing his hand.

We caught a cab and quietly followed Damian, Betty, and Hugo to the burger place.

Through the glass, I watched the three of them settle at a table. Only when they were busy eating did I take Rick inside, picking a spot nearby but out of sight.

Hugo sat like a little king, a burger in each hand, alternating bites.

Damian and Betty shared a side of the booth, watching him like proud parents. Betty leaned into Damian every so often, her shoulder brushing his as she smiled.

The sight made me smirk. I pulled out my phone and texted Damian.

[I'm staying at my dad's tonight. He's not feeling well. Make sure Hugo gets to bed.]

His reply was almost instant: [Okay.]

Once Rick finished his burger, I took him home.

The moment Caleb saw me, it was like he sobered up on the spot, greeting me with over-the-top enthusiasm.

I didn't bother with pleasantries. I pulled out a stack of cash and tossed it onto the table. "Life's tough for you. This is for Rick—take it."

His face lit up like Christmas morning, and he repeatedly thanked me.

I fixed him with a cold stare. "Listen carefully. I'm giving you this money because I care about Rick, not you. But if you ever lay a hand on him again, and you end up going too far... there won't be another cent for you. Think about what matters more."

I turned and walked out without another word.

That night, I stayed at my parents' house. In the privacy of my old bedroom, I pulled out my phone and opened the surveillance app linked to the hidden camera in my room.

What I saw turned my stomach: Damian and Betty, tangled together on our bed, ripping at each other's clothes like they couldn't get enough.

I hit the save button without hesitation and turned the video off.

Since Hugo was born, intimacy with Damian had all but disappeared.

At first, it was because my parents were staying with us, and things felt awkward. Later, Hugo's constant bedwetting and late-night crying kept me in his room more often than not.

Damian's frustration eventually turned into apathy. Now, even when we shared a bed, there was nothing between us.

And honestly? That was exactly how I wanted it.