Page 27 of Mended Hearts

Thirty minutes and some back roads later, we pull back into town, passing by that cemetery I had come across. The sun has almost set, and I begin to wonder what’s on our agenda for the night. “Umm, are we picking someone up?” I scrunch my nose as we get closer to the back entrance of the school.

“Yeah, about that,” she says, glancing my way with a smile. “I took the scenic route to make sure we weren’t followed.” What? To make sure we aren’t being followed. I’ve never been out here when all the lights are off. It almost gives off an eerie feeling. Juliana drives to the very back of the parking lot, to the older field the middle schoolers use for games. I glance around, trying to figure out what the heck we’re doing. I’m starting to question my ability to see the best in people. It’s not like I even know this girl. Sure, we play ball together, but what if this is payback forsomeone else who wanted to be the starting pitcher. Or maybe they planned some last-minute hazing for me.

“Uh.” I slowly swallow, looking over at her. “What are we doing here? You selling me off into human trafficking?” I hesitantly laugh.

A grin spreads across her face as she shakes her head. “You’re not being sold.” She giggles. “But other than that, I wasn’t told any of the specifics.” Juliana points out in front of us, and I turn my attention to the dugout. Butterflies slam into my stomach as I watch Dustin make his way in our direction with that cocky grin of his.

What did that boy of mine do this time?

Chapter Eighteen

DUSTIN

Echo has the cutest look plastered on her face. Shock, surprise, awe, love…it’s all there, and I’m over the moon knowing I inspire it. It took lots of careful planning to make this night come to fruition. Juliana is pretty much one of the only girls at school I can trust since we’ve practically been friends since birth.

I walk over to the car and open the passenger door.

“What’s going on?” Echo asks, looking back and forth between me and Juliana.

“Well, my dear,” Juliana begins. “Mr. Prince Charming over there freed you from the dungeon.” She reaches over and unfastens Echo’s seat belt. “But we’re on a time limit, Cinderella. So it’s time for you to get this show on the road.”

Echo grabs her bag, steps one foot out the door, and then looks back at Juliana. “Thank you.”

“Any time, princess.” Juliana looks past her, winking at me.

“You have some explaining to do, mister,” Echo chastises with a grin as Juliana drives off. She sucks at playing tough. Even when she has all the right reasons to be mad, it never lasts. She can’t be hard on someone even if she tries.

Because her heart is too soft.

She has the kindest soul. I just hope I’m not ruining her. Her dad seems to believe so; that I’m some kind of bad influence. I’m sure he even blames me for the strain in their relationship now. But I refuse to have that charge pinned on me. One day, he’ll look at himself in the mirror and realize he’s the true person at fault.

Hopefully.

“Good to see you, too.” I smirk, pulling her into my arms and holding her tightly. God, it feels like forever since I’ve touched her. I slowly inhale deeply, pulling her scent in. Her bag hits the gravel and her body molds even more into mine.

“I’ve missed you.” She breathes against my neck, holding on for dear life. Almost as if she’s afraid to let go. The feeling is mutual. Apprehension creeps in as I start to second-guess this surprise of mine. My lack of patience could have irreversible consequences.

“I’m sorry,” I say, stepping back. Echo gasps at the distance, and I shake my head. “I didn’t really think this through clearly. I just wanted to see you.”

She steps to me, reaching out to grab my hand. I pull away before she can, throwing it in my hair before resting both on the back of my head. And then I start pacing, anxiety seeping in.

“I’m so selfish,” I admit loudly. “What if your dad finds out? What if I just f’d everything up?” I stop and face Echo. She’s so ridiculously beautiful, standing completely calm, with a comforting gaze.

She holds her hand out, and I take it. “You are worth the risk, Dustin,” she boldly enunciates each word. The tension in my body dissipates, but a sense of dread remains. I nod, and she pulls me in for a hug.

“I just don’t ever want to lose you,” I whisper, the enormity of it all hitting me out of nowhere.

“You won’t. I’m yours forever.” She kisses my neck, causing a wake of shivers. “Now, are you going to tell me what we’re doing here?”

“Oh yeah.” I smile with relief, thankful for her pulling me off the ledge of dread. “I thought you and I could do some stargazing,” I say, pulling away from her, watching as her eyes go bright with excitement. I toss her bag over my shoulder and grab her hand, threading our fingers together. “Come with me if you want to live,” I tease, using her favorite line fromCasper, earning me a chuckle.

We walk in silence to the outfield where I have our blankets laid out and the early birthday gift I got for her. She looks back and forth between me and the telescope I have set up, mouth slightly agape. “You have a telescope?”

“No.” I run my hand along the side of her face, wanting to pull her in for a deep kiss, but lean in for a peck instead. “You have a telescope.” I clarify mere inches from her lips. “Happy early birthday, Echo.”

“Thank you, Dustin,” she says with disbelief. “But how am I going to explain walking in with a telescope?” She laughs, causing me to as well.

“Well, you see, I’m attached to the gift. So that just means I have to be with you anytime you want to use it.” I shrug my shoulders.

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