Page 27 of Broken Bonds

“I can’t; it hurts.” I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“We’re almost there, then we can rest.”

With every passing minute, the sky got darker, the wind got colder, and my fear grew. How were we supposed to survive this? How were we supposed to make it to shelter tomorrow when I could barely walk anymore?

Eventually, we reached the gas station, and I collapsed under the metal roof, my legs giving out as I crumpled to the ground. Ace sank down next to me, taking the backpack off and stretching his arms and rolling his shoulders, a wince passing over his features before he could smother it. Without a word, he pulled my phone from his pocket and handed it to me. The screen was bright in the darkness, as none of the streetlamps had come on tonight, the power already gone. It was seven P.M., and I had a lot of missed messages from my family. I didn’t bother reading them; it would waste battery power we desperately needed.

I called Mom, and my throat burned when I finally heard her voice. “Where are you now, baby?”

“Far, Momma, so far. I’m so scared,” I cried into the phone, warm tears rolling down my cheeks, further soaking my shirt as they rolled down my neck and into the collar.

“You can do this. You’re strong. You’re strong, my girl. Don’t cry.” I nodded, looking at Ace for strength. He took the phone, his other hand finding mine. When he linked our fingers together, I felt like I could breathe.

“We’ve found shelter for the night. It isn’t much, but it’s shelter from the rain for now. It’s dark here, so I think the power has gone out.” Ace paused, closing his eyes. “I don’t think it’s safe to continue. She can barely walk.” He paused again, listening to Mom. “I understand she has injuries from the accident. I’m doing my best here… We’re going to stay here tonight… I’m okay. We’re okay.” He handed the phone back to me, a frown tugging at his lips. But he didn’t let go of my hand.

“Be strong, my beautiful girl,” Mom gently urged. “Don’t cry anymore. Be strong, and the night will be over soon. I love you.”

“I love you more.” I ended the call before I couldn’t control the mess of dark emotions swirling inside me. I knew Mom was already worried enough. She’d panic if she heard me sobbing on the phone.

“I’m so sorry, Celine. I’m sorry I didn’t get us there in time.” Ace had taken his black boots off, and was stretching out his wrinkled feet. He let go of my hand to rub them, groaning as he did so. I did the same, ripping off my Converse.

“It’s not your fault. None of this is your fault, Ace.” He seemed surprised because he looked at me, his head cocked to the side the slightest bit like he was trying to figure me out. Thankfully, he didn’t pry and dropped the subject.

“How about another bar and some water?”

I smiled, thankful for the move away from the deeper conversation. “I’d love that; thanks.”

We talked for a while about nothing serious, our arms crossed over our chests to ward off the cold. He told me about what he wanted to do in the future. It was really nice to talk to him, to share my hopes and dreams, too. And I knew both of us were happy to focus on something other than the dangerous conditions we would have to sleep in tonight.

He was telling me about the time he tried to join a frat when my eyelids grew heavy. Sleep sounded so good right now, and I was so, so tired. Bone deep exhausted.

“Come here. I’ll keep you warm so you can sleep.” He opened his arms for me, and I froze, unease licking along my spine.

“What do you mean?” I shivered in the darkness.

“Let me hold you, Celine. I won’t bite,” Ace promised.

I shook my head. It was too intimate, and while I knew I probably needed to lay with him to maintain some body heat, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.

“I’ll be fine. Goodnight, Ace.” I curled up on my side, shaking like a leaf, but I willed my eyes to stay closed. He grumbled something about me being stubborn but said nothing else.

Within a few minutes, I heard a soft snore coming from him. Meanwhile, I was still shaking. I scooted closer to him, hoping to steal some warmth while he was unconscious.

He must have felt me near because he reached out and put an arm around my body. I tensed, a small squeak escaping my throat. “Shh; go to sleep, princess,” he crooned in his raspy, half-asleep voice.

I was too tired to fight him, so I laid my head on his warm chest and closed my eyes, listening to the storm raging around us as I let sleep take me, trusting Ace to keep us safe.

chapter twelve

CELINE

A loud crack of lightning followed by thunder jerked me out of my sleep. I groaned. My cold, wet clothes were sticking uncomfortably to my skin, and my back was sore from sleeping on the ground. The arms around me tightened before I heard Ace let out a soft grumble of protest and discomfort.

He had held me all night. It felt strangely… nice to wake up next to him on the hard ground. I was sure it had to do with the loneliness I’d been feeling lately. Couple that with my terror over this storm and it was no wonder why I was seeking out his comfort. Desperate for it, really.

“Fuck,” he mumbled, sitting up beside me, his blue eyes bloodshot from exhaustion. He moved a little bit away from me and looked at the gray sky. My eyes lingered on his messy hair and rumpled clothes before I followed his gaze, taking in the chaos surrounding us.

It was lighter out this morning than yesterday evening, but it was still dark. The ominous, gray clouds covered the once-blue sky, making it feel like nighttime was descending upon us. The wind had only gotten stronger, and more debris was flying around. I was surprised we hadn’t gotten hit by something while we were sleeping.

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