Page 21 of Mending Scars

Ryker was my anchor, keeping me from drifting out and getting lost in the sea of despair that still tried to tow me under constantly.

Once Nori and I finished eating, we paid our bill and left. We both gave each other a hurried hug goodbye as we hailed down taxis, and I promised to keep Nori updated on everything.

As I reluctantly trudged up to my office, I thought about what Nori had said about going to the police. Ryker worked today, so I could head down to the station on my way home without him knowing. I didn’t want him to worry more than he already was.

The rest of the day was uneventful—I got absolutely nothing done at work. My mind was consumed with thoughts of Kamden, the text messages, and, of course, me being pregnant.

You’re not pregnant. It’s just stress.

I told myself that if I kept throwing up over the next few days, that I would take a pregnancy test.

But I’m not pregnant.

Yeah, keep telling yourself that.

I took the elevator to the parking garage, then got in my car and drove to the police station. I was so nervous that they’d laugh in my face and tell me to grow up, but Nori was right—I’d regret not going to them.

Taking a deep breath, I got out of my car and walked to the entrance. Another man was walking up at the same time as me and opened the door. “Thank you,” I said as I hurried inside and to the front desk.

The cop barely acknowledged me, not even glancing up from his computer. “Can I help you?” he asked, the irritation apparent in his tone.

Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.

“Hi, I, um, wanted to speak to someone about some threatening text messages I’ve been getting from a blocked number.”

He looked at me like I was stupid as he handed me a clipboard with a paper. “Fill out this police report, and we’ll look into it.”

I’m sure you’ll get right on it.

“Okay, thank you.”

Even though I doubted that they were going to do anything to help me, I filled out the form. When I finished, I took it back to the desk and handed it to the police officer. He gave me a fake smile as he said, “We’ll be in touch.”

Yeah, sure you will, asshole.

“Thank you so much.” I smiled sweetly, returning his fakeness tenfold.

Dick.

As I drove home, my mind warred as I debated whether or not to tell Ryker. With the police seeming to be of no help like he said, and no other options, I didn’t really see the point in worrying Ryker when nothing could be done.

I’ll just deal with it myself. No sense in both of us stressing out.

When I got home, Kamden was sitting on the couch. He stood and came toward me as he asked, “Hey, can we talk?”

I set my purse down. “Yeah, sure.” I slipped off my heels and padded over to the couch before sitting down. I patted the cushion next to me as I looked up at him.

Kamden sat down and rubbed his hands anxiously on his jeans as he avoided eye contact with me. “Look, I’m… I’m really sorry for last night. I wasn’t thinking straight.”

I placed my hand over his on his thigh and smiled softly. “I know.”

He met my eyes. “I would never hurt you—that’s the last thing I’d want to do. I don’t want to be anything likehim.”

That last word was laced with so much disgust. I squeezed his hand. “You’re not, Kam. Nothing like him.”

“How could I do that to you?” he angrily asked. I knew he was more asking himself than me, so I didn’t answer. He looked away. “What’s happened to me?”

I happened. This was all because of me and Kaleb. Kam would have been so much better off without us.

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