Page 53 of Forget Me Not

This is what my life has become.

Mom would be so disappointed.

I laugh out loud as tears continue to ride down my cheeks.

No wonder I’m all alone. I wouldn’t want to be near me either. I’m a conniving, ruthless, manipulative whore. The only blessing I can accept at this moment is that I didn’t have to suck two dicks to get high. Seems there’s some kindness left in the world, after all.

My limp body is lifted away and I’m patiently waiting to see the angels—to see my mom.

Did I make it to heaven? Or will I burn in hell?

As long as I’m out of the life I was living, I’ll take either.

My heart begins to beat slower and slower, its rhythm lulling me. I’m ready to accept whatever fate awaits me.

Wherever I am, it’s warm—comfortable, cozy. It smells sweet like pumpkin pie. Just like the one Mom cooked in a vacant house we broke into for Thanksgiving when I was seven.

“Mom,” I mutter, feeling a scratch in my throat. “Are you here?”

“Shhh,” I hear. But it’s not Mom’s voice.

My eyes flutter open and I see a shadowy figure standing over me. Everything is so hazy. I see his form, but I can’t see his face.

It’s not until I blink away the grogginess that I’m able to see he’s wearing a mask, one you’d see a doctor or a nurse wearing. He’s got a baseball cap on and a sweatshirt. I look down at his hand that’s resting gently on my shoulder. His nails are clean and he smells really fucking good. Not like pumpkin pie, but like sage and spice—an expensive cologne.

“Who are you?” I gasp, heart pounding.

“It’s okay. You’re safe.”

“Are you…an angel?”

“Oh no.” He chuckles dryly. “I’m far from good. But, I’m not here to hurt you. I’m here to help you.”

No one has ever wanted to help me before. It’s only natural that I struggle to trust his words. Everyone always has an agenda.

“Where am I?” I choke out. “Am I dead?” I go to sit up, but he pushes me back down.

“No. You’re very much alive. Thank God. I found you in an alley. You were blue in the lips, barely breathing.”

“Why?” I shout, a lump lodged in my throat. “Why didn’t you leave me?”

“It was below freezing. I saved you.” His brows pinch in confusion.

“I didn’t want to be saved. You wasted your time.” I turn to my side, unable to look at the man who stole my chance at escaping this world. “You should have left me there.” I close my eyes, hoping that maybe I won’t ever have to open them again.

When I do, he’s gone.

I wake back up to an empty hotel room with nothing but a note.

The room is yours for the week. There’s an envelope of money for you on the nightstand, and some new clothes in the bathroom. Use room service at your discretion. The pain you’ve endured does not go unnoticed. One day your struggles will be worth it. You’ll see.

A spark of light was rekindled inside me that day. That man denied being an angel, but he sure as hell felt like one.

If only that flame still burned. As I sit on this bathroom floor, still alone and curled into a ball as panic seizes my chest, I can’t help but wonder if it ever truly will all be worth it.

ChapterSeventeen

ALARIC

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