Page 43 of Rescuing Micah
She was doing as well as anyone could expect given the circumstances. But that wasn't really doing well at all. He saw the fear and pain lurking in the depths of her chocolate brown eyes, even if she wanted to pretend they weren't there.
She ate something and now she’s in bed
That didn't seemlike enough information, but he didn't know what else to say.
Still, he couldn’t help but feel that Teresa’s best friend deserved more. Too bad he hadn't been able to convince Teresa to stay at Prey. Not only would it be easier to protect her, but she would be better supported with her friends around.
As much as it pained him to admit, he wasn't what she needed right now.
Wasn't what made her feel safe and secure.
Unfortunately, he’d blown that all up when he left without talking to her. While he still hoped he might be able to earn her forgiveness, maybe even her friendship, he understood and accepted that might never happen.
Likely wouldn't happen.
It was a weird feeling to be this helpless when it came to Teresa because from the moment they met, everything had always been so smooth and easy. He’d stepped into the role of taking care of her as soon as they met. Even when she’d grumbled at him for being such a mother hen, he’d always known that she secretly loved that he doted on her when she was the one who always had to dote on everyone else.
I’m outside her door if she needs anything tonight
The three dots appeared again,and he watched them to distract himself from getting up and going into Teresa’s room. If he wanted to try to earn her forgiveness, then the very least he owed her was to respect her boundaries.
She knew he was in her apartment, if she wanted him in her room she would have asked. She hadn't, so she didn't.
If she wakesup tell her I'm here if
she needs me
Ava?
Yeah it’sme
I wanted to come right over but Nathaniel
said I should give her the space she requested
They didn't haveto be in the same room for him to read her tone perfectly. She was feeling as lost and out of her depth as he was. She wanted to do something, wanted to find the perfect words to make this better for her friend.
Of all of them, Ava was the one who could offer the most support. She’d been through the same thing Teresa had, and he didn't quite get why Teresa had been adamant that she didn't want to see anyone when she knew that Ava got it in a way none of the rest of them did.
She knows you're here for her
The assurance was as muchfor himself as it was for Ava.
They both cared about Teresa, just in different ways, and they both wanted what was best for her, which was why they were both holding back and fighting against their instincts to flood her with love and support.
And you’ll makeher call if she needs anything?
I will
An easy promise tomake because he knew that Ava would be more support for Teresa than he would be.
Was there a way to get her friends over there without going against Teresa’s desire for space?
Why don’t you text her in the morning?
That wasn't reallya violation of Teresa’s wishes. It wasn't like her friends were going to turn up unannounced, although in reality, they could since this was still their place too, even if they were staying at Prey for now.
Chelsea too
