“Think about it, babe,” he implores. “How did he get into school without anyone noticing him? He looks like a walking skeleton. Someone would have reported him lurking on campus. Not to mention, he is one swift wind from falling over, so there is no way he could have overpowered you when you were attacked.”
What he says makes sense, but I’m having a hard time separating what may be obvious from what I really wish were true.
Then Hud says something that I just can’t ignore. “If he were my stalker, he would have tried something when he ran into me. He has ghosts, Cull, but they aren’t because of me.”
I deflate and fall back into the couch, a tear slipping down my cheek.
“What are you feeling right now, Cullen?” Maria asks, trying to gauge where my head is at.
“I just want Hudson safe. For this to be over. It feels like a never-ending tunnel.”
“I’m sure it feels daunting, especially with so many uncertainties in front of you.”
“Yeah,” I rasp. Maria hits the nail on the head, like usual.
“I think we should go down to the police station today and drop the charges against him.” Hud uses his knuckle to swipe the tear clinging to my chin.
I study his face, and for the first time since all this mess has begun, I can truly see how much he’s changed. He’s never been weak, but there’s something steadier about him now.
He’s still Hud, but better. Healthier.
Time for me to rise to the occasion, too.
“Okay.”
Hud pulls me into a hug, his exhale tickling the hair on the back of my neck. I sniffle and pull away.
“I believe there is one more thing Hudson would like to talk about while you’re both here.”
Maria tilts her head at Hud, and he takes my hands again.
“You’ve been hiding something, and I think it’s burdening you. It’s why you had that panic attack that day at Mason’s.”
My breathing picks up and I feel my fingers start to go numb. I never wanted Hudson to know how low I stooped in the nameof keeping him safe. How stupid that decision was and what it could still cost me.
“Use your counts, Cullen,” Maria reminds me.
I squeeze my eyes shut and count back from ten, taking and releasing a deep breath on every other number.
When I’ve reached one, I feel more in control.
“How did you find out?” I ask Hud, nervous to know the answer.
“Mason was picking on you for your shitty aim.” His lopsided smile takes me off guard.
“I um…” Nervously, I look at Maria.
“Everything stays within these walls, Cullen. I’m not bound to report anything that isn’t an imminent danger to you or others.”
“My intentions weren’t good, though,” I admit.
“Is it something you want to attempt again?” she asks.
“Hell no. It’s been tearing me up for weeks.”
“If Mason hasn’t reported it and doesn’t plan to, there’s no reason to keep dwelling.”
An immediate weight lifts from my shoulders and I take the deepest breath I’ve taken in months.
