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Ash and Donnie start to open their mouths to speak, but I place my finger on my lips, hushing them as I steer them out of the room. I turn the light off and shut the door halfway. The guys follow me down the hall toward the front door when their cell phones ring.
“Seriously, guys, you really don’t have to stay.” I pull off my white hoodie and hang it in the closet. When I turn to face the guys, Donnie’s eyes trail up and down my body with a dark, hungry look.
“You’re the only person I want to be with.” He crowds my space, pulling me into one of his warm hugs. “It will always be you,” he whispers in my ear and kisses the side of my head.
“¡Abuela!” Ash sings, strutting to the kitchen.
I can’t hold back my laughter. Donnie cradles my face with his strong hands. I lean into it and close my eyes, enjoying this moment between us.
“It’s going to be ok, Shorty. You’re going to hurt for a long time, but you won’t be alone. I will be here for you and help you get through this.” His voice is low and calming.
He pulls me into a hug and holds me tight, like he’s afraid of letting me go.
I wrap my arms around his waist and squeeze tight, laying my head on his chest where I can hear his heartbeat.
Being with Donnie makes me feel safe from all the damage within me.
He’s my safe place.
He’s my home.
Two months later
Chapter 12- Sadie
While I was in the hospital recovering from my injuries, the principal allowed me to take classes online so I wouldn’t be behind on my assignments. Today is my first day physically back at school and already I broke down like a tower of blocks stacked too high.
The stares.
The whispers.
The pity looks.
It was just all too much. I wanted to stay home with my daughter, but if I want to graduate, I have to finish my senior year.
With Tia by my side, we walk into the cafeteria. Seb and the rest of the gang are at our regular table laughing at whatever Max is saying. As much as I love my friends, this is the last place I want to be right now.
“Come on, girl. You gotta eat something.” Tia pulls me toward the food line. After we grab our smooshed burgers and fries, we make our way to the table.
“Hey,” I greet everyone while setting my tray down.
“Hey, Reina.” Seb is the first one to speak.
I peek through my lashes and give him a small smile.
Conversation flows easily amongst them while my thoughts are pining for Donnie.
I avoided his calls and text messages last week. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to hear his voice; I feared letting him in. Christian is still out there, and I can’t ignore that.
My thoughts wander to Josiah, wondering where the hell he is. Hector and the guys haven’t stopped looking for him.
When I tried calling Josiah’s phone the other day, the annoying automatic voice kept repeating, “the number you are trying to reach is no longer in service.” I wanted to reach through the phone and strangle the voice until she told me where to find my brother.
I’m barely hanging on, trying to stay strong for my little girl, when all I want to do is crawl under a rock and die. I feel trapped in my own mind, trying to dig myself out, but the pain and sadness keep me from moving on.
Jo.
Mom.
