Page 18 of Bound by Affliction
“Right.” He chuckles. “Cooper told a little lie to Bristyl to get her out of here and home.” My brows quirk because that’s not like him one bit. Jacks goes on, “He told her that Leah has a couple of broken bones but is otherwise fine. When she was itching to come here, he told her that Leah couldn’t have visitors. I don’t know how the fuck he pulled that off, but Bristyl’s been occupied taking care of her father and hasn’t put up a fuss. It’ll only last so longthough.”
“So she has no idea that her best friend is in a fuckin’ coma and they don’t know if she’ll come out of it?” I shake my head. “Something happens to Leah now, Coop’s gonna be in the fuckin’ dog house—hardcore.”
Jacks’ hands go up in the air. “Wasn’t my decision, but it’s what he did, not wanting to upset her more after what shesaw.”
That’s understandable because I’d want to protect Leah from the exact same thing. The way her father loves her, I couldn’t imagine Leah seeing her father chained and beaten. I’d protect her from all of that. Bristyl being pissed has nothing to do with me, and I’ll back my brotherup.
It feels strange how the world outside still goes on. Lives are still lived. People eat, shit, and breathe. And we’ve been encased in this room, in our own little bubble, hoping beyond comprehension that Leah will come back. Those people out there don’t know her. They don’t care about her and if she’s gone, they’ll never know. But I will, and it would gutme.
“I got it. You can go home, Jacks. Really. It’sokay.”
He slaps me on the shoulder. “I’ll be in the waiting room for a while then the hotel, but I’ll come and tell ya when I’mleavin’.”
“You can stay in here withme.”
He shrugs. “Well if you want me to, but it’s lookin’ like you want time with your girl.” It’s what he doesn’t say that sticks with me. He doesn’t say that it could be the last time I see her or that she may not come back from this. He leaves all of that out only making my heart ache more and more. Fuck, I can’t gothere.
“Do whatever ya need. I’ll behere.”
He gives me a squeeze. “I’ve got yourback.”
“Iknow.”
Jacks then disappears out the door. I sit, taking her hand again andwait.
Fucking waiting eats at me. But for Leah, I’ll wait as long as I have to. She just can’tdie.
