Page 56 of Silent Damage

The kissing intensifies. It’s frantic. Desperate.

I’m kissing Gabe.

I’ve wanted to for so long, and it’s happening.

Then we stop. Collectively. We pull away from each other and stare.

We’re stunned—completely in awe. It feels crazy yet completely correct at the same time.

“Whoa,” is all I can say.

“Yeah,” he whispers back.

Why?

Why did I think I could forget that?

I have to get out of here. If I don’t, I’ll fall back in love with him.

What if he hurts me again?

Who knows how bad it will hurt the second time around?

Fool me once, shame on you.

Fool me twice—

No. I can’t take it again. My heart hurts too much as it is.

My head’s a mess, and I need some relief. I need something to help me get through all of these feelings that I can’t handle.

I hate to say it but—

I need more alcohol.

Chapter 14

Gabe

Islowly walk to the trailer after having been on a hot bus for way too long. All I want is to lie on my bed and relax.

But he might be there.

When I reach the trailer, the door is closed, which gives me a little hope.

Maybe he went out?

It’s hot as hell, and there’s no AC, so the door would definitely be open. It’ll at least give me a minute to collect myself before he gets home.

I step through the front door to find all of the lights out. It smells like cigarettes and beer, but I don’t see him.

Thank god.

I take a seat to relax for a second and nearly jump out of my skin when Jason comes crashing through the front door.

“Fuckin’ door…” he slurs, like it wasn’t supposed to be there or something.

Is he drunk again?