Chapter 26: The Way It Is
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trouble. "I hate you." (Sam Wilson v.)
Luke wasn't happy. Keith knew that. More than he wanted to appease his nephew, his other nephew needed his help.
"Does Deb know you're here?"
Nate nodded, feeling a bit uncomfortable under Luke's cold stare.
"Does Dan?" Keith pressed.
Nate shook his head. Luke's glare softened. He was sitting in on something private. This was something not even Nate's humor could evade.
"Why does Deb know and not Dan?" Keith pressed again.
"What does it matter? He needs your help." Luke interjected.
Nate and Keith gave Luke a confused look. Nate gave Luke a nod of thanks.
"Let me handle this Luke," Keith turned back to Nate. "I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on."
Nate looked at Keith and then Luke.
"Luke won't say a word."
Luke nodded. Nate sighed.
"My dad's been beating on me for years. Peyton broke up with me, again. I picked a fight with my dad. What do you really care, Uncle Keith? It's the big family
secret." Nate snapped.
"You did come here." Keith pointed out.
"This is just going to make things worse." Nate shook his head worriedly.
Keith smiled and put his hand on Nate's shoulder.
"Yeah, maybe, but my trust is in God that it'll get better after."