Page 246 of Collided

“Nothing.” Dad slips his arm around my shoulders and squeezes hard. “Right, sweetie?” He looks down at me and the warning shines brighter in his eyes.

I won’t crumble. “No—”

“She’s still in shock. Don’t mind her.” Dad assures him who gives us an unbothered look and walks away.

My body seizes into panic.

No! Come back.

Can’t you see his fingers digging into my arm?

He silenced me and you left.

It’s then I realize that it doesn’t matter if I tell the authorities or not. They won’t help me. Much like that policeman they’ll turn deaf and ignore my words. They’ll go blind and not see the signs that are right in front of them. All because they don’t care. No one does.

Except for Heath. The only person who stepped up for me, who fought for me, and who tried to protect me.

He’s the only one who didn’tignoreme. Not like my mother or the policeman.

I close my eyes to get a hold of myself. Breathe in. Breathe out.

I don’t know how long it will take me, but I will pull myself together once again.

The first thing I notice is, I’m sitting on the couch. Dad is in the corner reciting convincing lies to a woman while staring at her with interest.

This is my chance.

I need to get to Heath.

Standing up, I run outside and hear Dad shouting my name and asking officers to stop me.

My feet hit the asphalt hard as I run in the direction of the police station. It’s seven blocks away from my house but I don’t care.

I have to get him out somehow. I have to do something.

Sirens blare behind me and alarm bells ring in my head.

However, I don’t stop running.

The only thought in my head is Heath. How he’s in this situation because of me.

I run, run, and run.

Blood and adrenaline pump through my veins. Hot sweat gathers on my skin.

My breathing is loud and uneven. I can’t catch oxygen.

Still, I don’t allow my steps to falter.

The only thing on my mind is to reach the guy I know I’m falling in love with.

49

Hope

I rush inside the police station.

By the time I stop, my head is dizzy, and I’m seconds away from fainting.

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