Page 57 of Ask No Questions

I saw his mouth moving, but I heard nothing. He reached for his phone as I strained to lift my hand to stop him. He noticed my movement and gripped my hand in his.

“Aubrey. Can you hear me?”

I tried to nod, but my body was paralyzed. I managed to focus my gaze into his eyes, hoping he would understand my message.

“Aubrey, please.” He stroked my face with his other hand, speaking so softly. “You’re safe. I’m right here.” He paused for another moment. “Breathe, Aubrey, please just breathe.”

I focused on his words, trying to calm my body. Minutes, or maybe seconds, later I finally managed to breathe again, ridding myself of the fish out of water feeling that had consumed me.

I was lifted as Gage brought me to his chest. I could feel him shaking and realized he was crying. His grip was too tight to allow me to look up and him. It was my turn to comfort him.

“Gage.” It sounded more like a wheeze, but I was able to get it out. His grip loosened, and he looked down at me. Tears were rolling down his beautiful face. I’ve never seen a boy cry, especially over me.

“Gage. I’m sorry.”

He clung to me again, stroking my hair.

“You have nothing to be sorry for! I’m so sorry. Aubrey, I don’t know what happened. I just touched you, and you collapsed.”

He shook his head as tears continued to fall.

“I didn’t know what to do. What happened? Do you need to go to the hospital?”

I tried to smile to show him I was fine, but it came out more like a wince. “No, I had another panic attack. Apparently, I get those now.”

“A panic attack? From what? Do you have a fear of the ocean? I’m so sorry. I should have never asked you to meet me here.”

“Gage, please stop. It’s nothing like that. When I felt you grab my arm, it reminded me of something. I got scared I guess.”

“Why did that scare you?”

“It’s a long story. I don’t want to ruin your day.”

“I think you collapsing kind of already did that.” He smiled when I rolled my eyes. “You can tell me, Aubrey. I’m your friend. I want to know.”

“Fine, but first let’s get up. Who knows what this wood has seen over the years.” I took his outstretched hand, and he lifted me up and walked us over to a bench, never letting go of my hand. I owed him an explanation after he helped me through another attack.

As I told him what happened in the life I left behind, I watched his face change from worry to anger to sorrow to rage. By the time I was done, he had released my hand and was pacing in front of me, cursing under his breath.

“Aubrey, I am so sorry. Please know that if I had any idea, I would have never touched you. I can’t believe you went through that, and no one believed you. If I was your boyfriend and you told me about creepy notes and pictures, I would have lost my mind. How could Derek stand by and do nothing to protect you?” He cursed again.

“I don’t know, Gage. That’s why I never thought it was a big deal. Everyone told me it was nothing or didn’t even believe me.”

“I can’t believe this. He’s locked up now, right?”

“As far as I know he is.” I thought back to the man I saw in the store. Was that my imagination or not? I considered telling him, but I didn’t want to freak him out more.

“What are you thinking about? You just zoned out on me.”

I paused, debating.

“Stop thinking. Aubrey, just tell me. Please.”

“The other day, the first time I had a panic attack, I thought I saw him in a store by my condo.”

His face drained of color, and his eyes shot to me. “So he could be here?”

“My mom told me he’s locked up. I probably just imagined it.”