Page 241 of Collided

He gets over the windowsill and shuts it behind me.

“That wouldn’t have worked.” He grabs the back of his neck and looks anywhere but me.

“How did you climb so high up?” I look under the window and gape at the height. My room is on the second story.

Heath comes behind me and points at the trash can. “I stood on it and then climbed up using the bricks pointing out.”

“That isn’t safe.”

“I needed to see you.”

We steer toward my bed. I make room for him to sit. His eyes settle on the Polaroid, and he picks it up. “This picture—”

“Hope, open the fucking door,” Dad speaks from the other side.

My heart skyrockets in alarm.

Cold sweat beads appear on the back of my neck and goosebumps sweep over my body.

I look at Heath who’s watching me closely. His blue eyes darken, and his face turns serious.

“Is it him?” he asks in a harsh voice.

I shake my head and grab his arm, pulling him to stand up but he doesn’t. “Please. You need to leave.”

He stands up. “I’m not leaving. I’m going to beat the shit out of him for hurting you.”

The knocks get harder and louder.

“Please, Heath.” I squeeze his arm, as I try to drag him to my window but he’s strong. He barely moves an inch.

“Hope open the fucking door right now,” Dad hollers, and my palms start to get clammy.

Heath glares at the door with the intent to burn it down. “He’s the man who’s hurting you, isn’t he?”

I shake my head.

Heath cups my cheek. “I’ll protect you. Go hide—”

“No! You don’t understand. You have to leave. I beg you,” I hiss at him, trying to control my frustration and fear.

“I won’t leave you with him,” Heath argues and it’s certain that he won’t leave.

“Then hide in the bathroom please,” I try.

Reluctantly, he gets into the bathroom and closes the door enough to leave it a little ajar.

“Hope!” I jostle and don’t have the time to fully close the bathroom door.

I run to the door and pull it open with shaky hands. Dad stomps inside and grabs me by the throat. “Who the fuck is in your room?”

“No-no one.” I sputter in short breaths.

Dad releases me with such force the side of my head hits the wall and my ears ring.

“I saw the car and I heard the noise. I know someone came up.” He glares at me and then surveys my room looking around at the nooks and corners.

“It’s just me,” I tell him, holding the side of my head that’s throbbing.

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