Page 12 of Drive Me Crazy

10 years later…

"STOP! Please!" Yelling before I freeze in horror. Cemented to the spot, as the scene before me blurs into colors and I'm suddenly ripped into pieces.

I grasp at my chest, pulling and tugging on my shirt, as it constricts my ribs with pain. Fear races through me, gripping my throat, cutting off my air.

Falling to my knees, my lips part as what I can only be described as my soul being cut from my heart, and scream.

My eyes pop open as I sit straight up in the bed from the sound in my head. It never gets easier; the image doesn't fade. All of these years, they're still as vivid as ever.

I bury my palms into my eyes, forcing out the lingering vision. The bed moves, drawing my attention to the sleeping body beside me. The room is shrouded in darkness, I can barely make out what time of day it's supposed to be.

Once my eyes focus, I lean over and trap my cell cord between my fingers, yanking it to me. The screen lights up and the clock shines at me with the current time.

"Fuck." I mumble, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. I stand, stumbling to the bathroom.

I turn the lock after closing the door behind me. Something I learned a long time ago to do when visitors are here. I slap at the switch until the light hums.

After I grab a towel and turn the water on. I pick up my toothbrush, slathering on the paste and shove it in my mouth as I step into the shower. The water is scalding, helping to burn the desecrations from my body.

I can't do anything about those floating around in my head or rooted deep within me. That's something I'll never forgive myself for. Well, that and the mistake sprawled out in my bed right now.

"Damn," hanging my head in disgust as the water runs over me. "what the hell am I thinking? Ladies night does not look good on me."

I brush my teeth like I wish I could my decisions... away. Maybe jumping in the shower will help, so I rush through it as fast as possible. I need to hurry my ass up to work, but most importantly, away from here.

Once I'm clean, I cut the water off and dry as I make my way out of the bathroom. I tip toe to my closet, jerking on the first shirt and pants I can find. A pair of socks in hand, I fist my boots as I slip out the door, barefoot and clinging to what little dignity I have left.

I stop about ten steps from the bottom, yank my socks on and tug on my boots. My hands shake as I send up a silent prayer that my buddy hasn't started work yet.

"Shit!" I spin around, taking the steps two at a time. I rush through the door and stomp over to the bed to grab my phone.

I lay my hand on the bed, shaking it as much as possible to wake the girl laying in it like she owns it. She wiggles and stretches but lays there, earning her a glare from me.

I pull my phone free, pressing my knees into the side of the bed. She doesn't move, but I have no doubt she's awake. So, I nudge the bed and rock the hell out of it until she flips over.

"Hey, I gotta go." I wrap my hand in the comforter, and jerk on it. "When you leave, use the side door. We have customers downstairs."

She lays there, provoking a glare from me. "I'm serious." I spin on my heels; I shove my phone in my back pocket and slam every door on my way out.

"Ugh! Why can't she just leave? I explained the rules." I huff as I hurry down the stairs.

As soon as I turn the corner, I come face to face with a toe taping, arms crossed, jaw popping, best friend. Mack and I go way back, my ride or die partner in crime.

"Please tell me," she smirks. "you used condoms?"

"No, because no one is up there." Lie and deny the best defense.

She quirks her brow and I ready for the blow. "For the love of pecan pie, you're gonna knock her up or worse!"

"What could be worse?"

Mack crooks her pinky finger in the air, grinning. "Your little peanut could rot off."

I drop my head, shaking it as I pause at her side. I drop, squatting in front of her to whisper to her round belly. She's breathtaking, Boone's a lucky man. But I refuse let her get the last word in, especially about my junk!

"Little dude, your Momma is busting my balls again. Can you give her a swift kick, so she pees her pants?"

Mack grips my hair, yanking my head back and narrowing her eyes at me. "Keep it up and I won't let you come to the hospital this time."