“I…” He trails off, his fingers grasping mine.
I squeeze back, nodding.
In the silence, everything we need to say swells, needing to be spoken. To be revealed.
“It’s going to be okay,” I manage to squeak out.
There’s a shuffling, and my mom says, “Why don’t we… Um…” More movements and chairs scraping across the floor. “Leave.”
I should say goodbye, but I can’t.
I can’t look away from Charlie. Can’t break the bond between us. In this moment, my connection to him is the only important thing in this godforsaken world.
And as we stare into each other’s eyes, I know with utter certainty he feels the same way.
After what feels like an eternity, my parents leave the room, and it’s finally just him and me.
The second the door clicks shut, I burst into tears. “I’m sorry. I?—”
“Shush.” He cuts me off, reaching for me, only to stop himself. His expression creases in frustration. “Where can I touch you so I don’t hurt you?”
“Nowhere.” I cry harder, harder than I’ve ever cried before. “They gave me meds, but everything hurts.”
He pushes my hair away from my cheek and gently wipes his thumb over my tears. “I wanted to kill him.”
“I know.” I twine our fingers together. “But I’m glad you didn’t. I can’t lose you.”
His grip tightens. “I’ve never been so scared in my entire life.”
I start to cry again.
“Baby, please don’t cry.” He moves closer, careful not to touch me, but close enough that my body feels safer. He cages me, pressing near enough for me to feel the warmth of his body. “What can I do to make it better?”
I make no effort to hide my tears. “I thought… I was so scared.”
“You were so brave.” He gently brushes my lips with his.
“I’m so mad at myself.”
“None of that. You’re perfect.”
I sniff. “Do you really think so?”
“No, but you’re hurt, so we can pretend for tonight.”
I giggle and then grimace when my bruised ribs protest. “Don’t make me laugh.”
His jaw hardens. “Every time you wince in pain, I want to punch something.”
“That’s a downgrade from murder. See? You’re processing the trauma already.”
He hangs his head, before clearing his throat and taking my hand. “That first night, you told me not to fall in love with you, but I didn’t listen.”
My heart swells, but I do my best to play it cool. “I told you it would happen, Charlie.”
“You did. You warned me, but I couldn’t help it.” His dark eyes glisten, and he chokes out, “I love you so much, Jessica.” He grips my fingers like I’m a lifeline tethering him to this earth. “I know I don’t have a lot of experience…” His voice cracks. “But I would die for you. I would burn down this fucking world for you. There is literally nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
“Nothing?” My chin quivers.
