Page 121 of Eternal

Not that it worked.

“We need to get you to the hospital.” His tone almost makes him sound worried.

That doesn’t make sense.

This is Declan Pierce.

Am I dead?

“Don’t act like you care.” I try to push him off me, but he won’t let me go.

He holds me here, and I can’t behereanymore.

“Teal, you need a doctor.”

“I just needed to forget.” I brush my hair back, and everything itches. “He said I was being erratic.”

“Who? Your father?”

“He said I’d calm down.”

I didn’t.

I went to my room to grab enough meds to end it and my slippers, only to lose them halfway across the yard.

“Your father did this to you?”

A twig snaps.

Tires crunch pavement as another car rushes by, kicking up the hair on the back of my neck. Reality clears for a split second, and I realize I missed the car.

I missed my chance.

“Teal.” Declan pulls me closer, and something in his eyes terrifies me.

Worry?

Pain?

Declan doesn’t show emotion.

Am I that far gone? Am I already the monster I always knew I’d become?

“I just wanted to forget,” I admit, shaking my head as my memories start trying to rattle around. “My dad said he was gone, but he lied. He’s been here all along.”

I clutch my stomach.

“Forget who?” Declan’s fingers dig into my arms. “Who hurt you?”

Tears swell in my eyes, and panic takes hold. It burrows into me.

“Who, Teal?”

“No one.” I can’t say his name out loud; it hurts too much.

“Tell me—”

“I had a thought about you and me once,” I cut him off.

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