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“Get some rest. I’ll get Ellen to make a decent dinner for you. I’ve got my cell if you need me.”
I lie there staring at the ceiling, running the events of the last few days over and over in my mind.
I fucked up, I know that. I fucked up over and over. No wonder everyone did as I suggested and left.
My fingers slip inside my pocket and I pull my cell from it. It’s dead, seeing as I had no power bank in the hospital. Rolling on my side, I plug it in and wait for it to light up.
A few messages from the team come through, plus another from Chris at Colton U asking if I enjoyed my weekend and if I had any questions. But there’s nothing from my brothers, or, more importantly, Hadley.
Finding her contact, I hesitate with my thumb over the keys. What the hell do I even say to her after everything?
Had I not had that session with Faye earlier where she allowed me to openly talk about how I felt about mine and Hadley’s unhealthy relationship, I might not be even considering doing this right now. But the ache in my chest won’t abate, and I know it’s because of her.
In the end I go with something simple.
Cole: I’m sorry, Little Dove.
I hit send and wait. But the message doesn’t ever show as read.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Hadley
Cole doesn’t come back to school all week. It’s Friday, and tomorrow, the team are playing their rivals, Sterling Heights in the regional finals. Everyone is surprised they made it, since they never do. But word is they want to go all the way this year.
And the Seahawks are missing their star running back.
I haven’t spoken to Cole, and despite Remi and Conner’s pleas for me to visit him, I’ve yet to go.
Cole needs to heal. He needs to figure out what he wants and what he’s willing to do to get it.
A piece of me will always love Cole, but I have to look to the future. Now I’ve finally cut the ties with my parents and I’m free of Tim, I need to decide what to do with my life.
Miss Jones came good on her word and arranged for me to work some shifts at a coffee shop downtown. I met with the owner yesterday and she told me to come in for a trial today, so after school’s out, I change into something casual and start the twenty-five-minute walk into the Bay.
But when I reach the parking lot, I spot Conner standing there, leaning against his shiny new car.
“This is a surprise,” I say, approaching him.
“I couldn’t let you walk to your first day.”
“Conner, you didn’t have to—”
“Just get in the damn car, Hads.” He opens the door, waiting for me to slide inside. It’s similar to Cole’s car but has different paintwork and a lighter interior.
“How are you feeling?” Conner asks the second he climbs inside.
“It’s only serving coffee. I think I’ll survive.”
“Dove has jokes.” He smirks, but I avert my eyes “Shit, sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s fine. How is he?”
“He’s... Cole. But he’s different, ya know? I think he’s finally realized he needs some help. He’s seeing a counselor, so at least he has someone to talk to.” I hear the pain in Conner’s voice.
“He’ll talk to you when he’s ready,” I say.
“Yeah, maybe. So tomorrow’s game—“
