Page 12 of Mending Scars

Smiling, I leaned down to kiss her. “Thank you.”

A cold breeze blew past us, and Kaiya’s skin raised with goose bumps as she shivered. “Let’s go back inside. Warm you back up,” I said, backing her toward the open sliding door.

Once we were back in bed, I pulled Kaiya into me, bringing her leg over mine and leaving little space between our bodies. I lowered my head to her chest before kissing her scar, just like I did every night. I never wanted to forget its importance or what it signified. I never wanted to take for granted the gift I’d been given. “I love you, Warrior,” I whispered against the marred, yet still beautiful skin.

She brought my face up to hers and brushed her lips over mine. “I love you, too.”

Kaiya snuggled into me, laying her head on the inside of my bicep and keeping her leg draped over mine. She fell back asleep almost instantly, but thoughts of the shooting and Ethan kept me awake. My mind wouldn’t turn off.

I closed my eyes, and lay my head against Kaiya’s, trying to shut my brain down. I focused on the sound of her breathing next to me, the smell of her hair, and the feel of her body tangled up with mine, blocking out everything else.

I felt my body relax and my eyes become heavier. Kaiya was my drug, giving me exactly what I needed when I needed it. Sleep finally found me, pulling me under its dark veil.

A couple weeks had passed before I received another text from an unknown number. I had just arrived at work when my phone buzzed in my purse—I hadn’t even had the chance to take it out yet.

Unknown: I’m coming for you

The familiar feeling of fear lacing my veins rushed over me.

Was this text from the same person as last time? Who is it? What should I do?

All the questions ran through my head and combined with my fear and anxiety, making me nauseous. I sped out of my office to the bathroom down the hall, hoping I would make it in time before I threw up.

Bursting through the door of the women’s restroom, I darted into the nearest stall and proceeded to vomit my breakfast into the toilet.

Gross. I hate throwing up.

I rinsed my mouth out and splashed some water on my face. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I thought of Kaleb. I felt sick again as my heart pounded, my anxiety increasing the longer he lingered in my mind.

Closing my eyes, I took a few deep breaths to dispel the queasiness assaulting my stomach and calm my nerves.

Kaleb’s gone. Those texts are just some prank. You’re safe.

When I composed myself, I headed back to my office. I grabbed some gum from my purse so I wouldn’t be stuck with vomit breath for the rest of the day.

As I sat in my office chair, my hands trembled slightly.I clenched them tightly to stop the shaking, but my nerves were shot. There was no denying that I was starting to get scared. I grabbed my phone and forwarded the text to Nori.

Me: FWD: I’m coming for you

Me: Got this a few minutes ago

A few seconds later, she messaged me back.

Nori: WTF Who do you think it’s from?

I bit my bottom lip and typed my response.

Me: Idk do you think I should tell Ryker?

Nori: I would do you think it’s your mom?

I furrowed my brow.

Could it be her? Would she really sink this low?

I hoped the answer was no—that deep down, my mom still loved me, even if it was just a tiny bit.

I was so excited. I’d just gotten my grade for a huge science project that took me weeks to work on, and I couldn’t wait to show Mom and Dad.

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