Page 98 of One of Them Girls

The helplessness. The desperation. The complete and utter desolation of my heart.

I don’t stop running until I’m in the stairwell, bent over attempting to breathe through my tears.

I hear the door open behind me, but I can’t acknowledge anyone.

“Come here.”

Before I know it, I’m in Jack’s arms as I sob into his chest. I stand there, letting the raw emotions pour from my body until I’m weak.

“Let’s get you home,” Jack murmurs.

I let him lead me out of the hospital, away from the memories.

Away from Xavier.

* * *

Xavier

My phone rings as I slide into my car.

“Hey, give me a sec to connect the Bluetooth.”

“Sure.”

I start my car and wait for the Bluetooth to connect. “Alright. What’s up?” I ask as I slide my phone into the holder on the dash, making sure the camera can see me.

“Just checking in,” Tinsley says, making me sigh.

“I’m fine,” I say as I pull out of the parking lot.

“Yeah, but your single.” She pouts.

“Isn’t the first time, won’t be the last,” I tease as I drive. “Now tell me something good.”

Tinsley fills me in on what’s new with her and her family.

“Sage bought home a puppy the other day and let’s just say that Reed isn’t too thrilled.”

“Oh? Why not?” I smirk as I pull up to the stoplight.

Tinsley giggles, making me smile. “The dog may or may not have an obsession with eating all of Reed’s left shoes. Doesn’t matter if it’s a dress shoe or one of his chucks, it’s always a left one.”

“So he only has right shoes?” I laugh.

“Yep. It doesn’t even matter if he puts them up. Somehow the little sucker gets them. Sage thinks it’s hilarious.”

The light turns green and I go. “Because it is.”

Right as I pull into the intersection, I see a flash out of the corner of my eye. I turn my head and see it right before it happens. First, I feel the impact, then another, mixed with the screeching of metal and Tinsley’s screams.

“Oh, fuck! Reed, get the plane!” a male voice says over the speaker right as everything goes black.

* * *

I groan,trying to turn over, but find something stopping me.

“Hey, it’s okay. Don’t move too much.”

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