Page 33 of Speak from the Heart

“You will not hold me back.”

I don’t know what she’s talking about, and I hear the question in my name from Jess at my back. His deep voice draws my grandmother’s attention.

“You can’t have him.”

My brows pinch. Does she mean Jess? Does she mean I can’t have him? Dear God, she’s not making sense.

“Who, Nana? Who can’t I have?”

“John. He loves me,” Nana hisses as she continues down the steps. I move as if to meet her in the middle until a hand circles my wrist.

“How does she know my name?”

I turn my head, only for a second. “Your name is John?”

“My full name is John James. Jess is a nickname.” I barely start to process this when I look up just as Nana’s foot misses a step. The thump resonates around me, and I cry out as I reach for her. Instantly, I’m tugged backward at the same time, and I helplessly watch as Nana tumbles toward me. I’m pushed to the side at the same time Nana crashes to the bottom of the staircase. Jess reaches out as though he intended to catch her, but her fall was too fast even though it appeared to happen frame by frame.

I scream, dropping to my knees beside her.

“Don’t touch her,” Jess warns. “She might have broken something.”

Nana lays in an awkward position, and I just know it’s bad. Sobs choke me, and tears stream down my face, but I ignore them, continuing to call out her name as if she can hear me.

I don’t move, but I sense Jess speaking to someone. Then he’s talking to me, but I don’t hear him.

Birthday wishes?

Please. Please God, don’t let this be the end.