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Chapter Seventeen
Cole
“Addi’s in the hospital, Cole. There’s been an accident.”
“What?” I drop my fork, spaghetti falling on my plate.
Brock stands in the doorway of my living room, Gramps and I having just sat down for dinner. I barely felt like eating since my fight earlier with Addi.
None of it went how it should’ve.
I stand, forgetting about dinner and grab my wallet, keys, and phone. “What happened?”
“She was hit by a car.” Brock stumbles on the words.
My blood runs cold.
Hit by a car? What in the fuck? How was she hit by a car?
My mind races as things piece together.
She left upset.
She walked home by herself.
I wasn’t there for her.
I wasn’t there for her, and she got hurt.
Is this because of me?
It’s Liz all over again.
“Please tell me she’s okay.”
“I don’t know, Cole. I don’t have much information. Her friend, Leigh, didn’t tell us much. Her mom is friends with my mom, that sort of thing.” Brock shrugs. “Want me to stay here and keep Gramps company?”
Gramps is behind me. He hugs me. “Go to her, son. Brock and I will bond over spaghetti.”
“Thanks, Gramps.” I hug him back and give Brock a fist. “Thanks, Brock.”
My stomach twists and turns, and I fight to keep what I did eat down. I jump in my Jeep and hurry to the hospital as fast as I can.
I can’t believe I wasn’t there for her.
Why does everyone around me get hurt? I wasn’t there to protect her and keep her safe.
What have I done?
* * *
I hate hospitals. The starkness, the coldness, the chemical cleaner smell. And so many sick people. So many. It turns my stomach at the thought of all the sickness and all the pain that falls upon people.
The receptionist at the desk looks at me deadpan. She must love her job. “Can I help you, sir?”
Smile ... it won't kill you.
What is wrong with me?
