Page 121 of Roses and Skulls

His face softens in understanding, and he kisses me on the lips before following the boys out back.

Dan nods towards his truck. He slides into the driver’s side and fires up the engine. “So, where are we headed, sweetheart?”

I glance around the yard nervously, my eyes finding no good place to land. “Mom said you helped her with something after…” I let my words trail off, my gaze finally landing on his confused stare. “I-I need to go to the pharmacy to get one too.”

His jaw clenches but he remains calm. “Okay,” he says, shifting his pickup into gear.

When we get to the pharmacy, he parks and kills the engine. His gaze falls on me, picking at my nails. His big hand engulfs both of mine. “You want me to run in and get it?” he asks.

I lift my eyes to stare out the windshield, watching as a mom struggles with a car seat and a toddler, keeping him from running out in front of any cars. My hand falls to my stomach.

Dan doesn’t say anything, he gets out and heads into the store. Everyone that walks by, gives him a wide berth. He comes out a few minutes later and sets a brown paper bag between us.

He then drives to the nearest coffee shop and orders me my favorite flavored coffee, drizzled with extra caramel just as I like. After that, he parks in front of a little lake at the nearby state park.

Sipping my drink, I watch a duck dip his head underwater.

“I’m going to tell you just like I told her. This is an option. Either way, I’ll support you.”

I set my coffee down and rip the bag open, taking the small box out. I toss it between my palms. “No one knows about this except you. Mom, um, she thinks I’m on the pill.”

“But you’re not?” he asks confused.

“I thought I was but the last time I got a script, I asked Lanie to pick it up. Um, Draven alluded to the fact he tampered with them.” My hands nervously pick at my jeans as I speak, the skin itching underneath.

Dan places his hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry,” is all he says. He doesn’t try to sugar coat it. No coddling or sweet words to make it better. That is a first.

I give him a nervous smile. “So, well, anyway, mom mentioned you saving her life, yadda yadda and here we are.” Fidgeting in my seat, I fight the urge to claw the skin from my body.

He drops his hand and pulls out a cigarette, rolling down his window. After he lights it, he turns his attention back to me. “I wish you had more time to make a decision on this, but it does have a time limit, unfortunately.”

“I know,” I say quietly, a breeze rolls in through the windows, blowing wisps of hair into my face. Brushing them back, I decide that I can trust my uncle. He will give me good advice because he only wants what is best for me.

“What is holding you up, hun?”

My watery eyes meet his. “Draven isn’t the only person I’ve been with.”

Fear told me he would be angry, that he would bang on his chest and drive back to his house to murder Elijah.

Sometimes fear is a liar.

Dan takes a deep breath. “I can’t help you make this decision, but I know someone who can. Why don’t you give the kid a chance and talk to him?”

“I don’t have to ask him. He will tell me to throw this away and that it doesn’t matter either way.” I flatten my palms on my legs. “It’s not just that.” My gaze roams over the lake. Tears run down my cheeks. “I can’t even take care of myself, Dan. You’ve seen my legs.”

My uncle leans over, catching my eye. “Do you feel it now?” he asks, genuinely curious and concerned.

“Yes,” I blow out. “I’m barely keeping it together. There hasn’t been enough time for me to process everything. I’m still so confused. My mind won’t slow down.”

Dan turns in his seat to face me, suddenly getting serious. “Billie Rose, you would make a fabulous mother. You can fight this and win. You will need to be honest with yourself and others, but it can be done. If you think for one second that taking that,” he points to the box in my hands, “will be a mistake, then don’t do it.”

He sticks a big meaty finger in my chest. “You are in control here. Make a choice and I will help you get through it, either way.”

“Can I sit here awhile and think about it?”

“As long as it takes.” He pulls out his phone to I assume text the boys that we will be gone awhile longer. At first I wondered what excuse he would give them but then I remembered who he was, and that Big Dan didn’t need an explanation.

“I’m going to go sit in the sand for a bit.” Maybe my mind will slow long enough for me to make a decision. I take my coffee and the box and head down the grassy hill to the lake.

---