Page 129 of Forbidden Lyrics

“What bus?”

“A Greyhound? I didn’t want to wait for a flight. If you could mail my things back to me, that’d be great.”

“Where are you going?”

A pathetic laugh escapes me as I wipe the moisture from my cheeks. Again. But it’s no use. Another tear stains them––one right after the other.

“I don’t even know,” I whimper. “I don’t want to go home. I don’t think I can face my sister without hating her even though it’s not her fault I fell for you. Heck, she warned me, and I didn’t listen. But I can’t go to my parents. They disowned me, and I really don’t think I can handle an I-told-you-so right now. Reese isn’t home, either. Even if she was, she lives with you. And if I have to walk past your room and see where w-we…”

“Sh…,” he croons. The sound is husky and low, reminding me of all the times he’d sing to me. With me.

Another piece of my heart breaks.

“You’re killing me, Dovey.”

“Ditto,” I choke out.

“What can I do to fix this?”

I can’t do this anymore.

“I, uh, I gotta go, Gibbs.”

“Come back, Dove.”

“I can’t.”

“Come to the hospital. I’m begging you––”

“I can’t,” I repeat.

“I need you, Dove. I need to hold you. With everything going on with Fen, then Em, and you––”

“I need to go––”

“Dove––”

“I can’t, Gibbs. I can’t do this.”

“Can we talk later?” he pleads. The sound is like another knife being added to the one already embedded in my chest.

Using the sleeve of my shirt, I wipe beneath my nose. “I-I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Dove––”

“I really hope Fen’s okay. And I’m really sorry about what happened to him.”

“I know.” His sigh is heavy. Weighted. Like he can’t breathe.

And neither can I.

“I’m really sorry, Dove––”

“Me too.”

Then I hang up the phone and cry. For what could’ve been. What could possibly happen if he’s the father of Madelyn’s baby. And what can’t ever happen because of his past and how closely it tangles with mine.

But none of those facts change the truth.

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