Page 16 of Boys Like You

“Speak for yourself. I still struggle to talk to people. It’s been ten years.”

“We all have our issues but we have overcome so much together, we can help her overcome her trauma,” I say, watching Maximus lying on his side staring up at JD. I know I talk a big game but I don’t want him to get hurt either. I think we need a family meeting to make sure we are all strong enough to deal with the worst case; when her memory comes back, or her parents come to collect her. What if she gets taken away? Jeez, my damn conscience suddenly sounds like Levi. At least if we all make sure we understand the ramifications of getting close to someone new. We might not get hurt.

“Stop thinking and go take your melatonin, I can hear your thoughts from here,” Maximus says. Mumma B keeps some of my medications here for times like this. I slip out of my sleeping bag and make my way to the kitchen to get my pill and a glass of water.

Popping the pill in my mouth, I take a mouthful of water when a loud, ear-piercing scream echoes through the kitchen. I turn away from the bench and run back towards JD’s room. She may not have memories, but her memories have her. Subconsciously they’re still there.

I wake to the sound of a scream; it takes me a second to realise the sound came from me. My heart is pounding, there’s sweat dripping down my face, and my shirt is stuck to my skin from perspiration. The light in my room flicks on, Mercer is kneeling in front of me, asking if I’m okay. My hands and body are trembling, but I nod. Rocky comes flying into the room, skidding across the tiled floor, coming to a stop behind the couch.

“Just breathe, JD, we’re here,” Mercer comforts me. Maximus sits on the second couch. I notice he has taken his glasses off; his curls are crazy and in his face. He looks afraid. I feel horrible for scaring him.

“Is everything okay in here?” Beth asks. “I heard screaming.”

“JD had a nightmare,” Rocky answers.

“Maybe it’s a good idea for you to take the sleeping pills the doctor gave you, see if they make a difference.” I nod and she goes to get them and a glass of water.

Sitting up slowly, I’m joined on the couch by Mercer on my left and Rocky on my right. Being a two-seater, it’s very much full.

“Do you remember what your nightmare was about?” Mercer asks.

“Nope, just how I felt when I woke up.” I try to think, see if anything pops into my head but it’s just feelings. I was scared, actually terrified, to the point I feel sick in my stomach, wishing I knew what happened to me.

“Your hair is so shiny,” Rocky says randomly. I laugh, he’s trying to inconspicuously change the subject but he fails.

“Thanks, but I hate it; when I look at myself in the mirror it feels fake, and these nails, I want to chew them off – they’re not real either. I show them my nails and Mercer shakes his head.

“My dad would have a heart attack if he saw those.”

“Do you think your dad would know how to pry them off without taking my actual nail with them?”

“I’ll ask him in the morning.” He squeezes my hand as Beth comes into the room. She hands me a tablet and a glass of water.

“If you have any more nightmares, please wake me, that way we can let the doctor know.”

“Thank you, I’m sorry to be such a pain.” I hate being a burden. I take the tablet and drink the water. Beth takes the glass and says goodnight, reminding the boys to sleep on the floor. Rocky declares tomorrow morning is his day with me; he tells me how much I will enjoy watching him run. I can’t deny seeing him in his element is something I look forward to.

The guys insist that I should get in my bed; the sleeping pills will kick in soon and with my sore ribs it would be best to be comfortable. I agree. Rocky follows me up while Mercer throws my pillows and blanket up.

“We will be right here if you have another nightmare.” I nod looking into Rocky’s blue eyes; they’re almost hypnotising. He kisses my forehead; the light goes out and after a while my eyes grow heavy.

When I wake, Rocky is sitting on the step to my bed, watching me.

“That isn’t creepy at all,” I say, trying to stretch without hurting myself.

“I have your pain meds; you were stirring so I was waiting.” He smiles, handing me a couple of tablets and a glass of water.

“What time is it?” I ask.

“Five-thirty. I’m always up early. I have to be at the track by six-thirty and it’s a half hour drive from here. I’m working up to waking Mercer; he sleeps like a log.”

I decide to take a shower while Rocky wakes the guys. Going through the drawers, I find a pair of jeans and a simple grey shirt.

I take my time to inspect my injuries. Not much has changed except the colouring of the bruises.

After I wash and get out, I decide to try and hide some of the damage to my face. Beth put a blow-dryer and straightener in the bathroom. I do my hair as if it’s second nature. It’s not something I have to think about, and the same goes when doing my makeup. I still look like Quasimodo but I manage to hide a lot of the bruising. My eyes look super blue with mascara on. Mr Cole certainly has an eye for knowing what products best match a person's skin tone.

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