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It’s been a few weeks since she got out of the hospital, and I’ve been spending a lot of time with her because, honestly, I haven’t wanted to let her out of my sight.
The doctors found out she had a rare form of asthma that didn’t respond well to certain medications. Even ones that had worked for her sometimes wouldn’t always be the answer. Especially in times when she needed her rescue inhaler. That’s why she ended up in the hospital those other times. It’s extremely rare and also hard to diagnose. Hence why my uncle, as well as a few other pulmonologists, missed it. But now that she has an actual answer to what she has, she has been put on proper medication. And her new doctor is extremely hopeful that she’ll live the life she wants to live.
She told me that before this diagnosis, she was considering throwing in the towel when it came to dance. But now, she doesn’t have to slow down. She can dance the way she wants without the constant fear that she’ll end up in a coma again. Sure, it’s possible. But now that she has the right medicine to help her, it’s a lot less likely.
I walk downstairs to find Haley curled up on the couch. At first, I think she’s just watching TV, but when I move closer, it’s clear she’s crying.
“What’s wrong?” I say, standing in front of her. “What the fuck happened?”
When she sees me, she quickly wipes her face and shakes her head. “I’m fine, really.” She tries to smile, but I know it’s fake. “I didn’t know you were home. I thought you were with Sutton.”
“I was earlier, but I had to leave to come here for my practice stuff.” I narrow my eyes at her. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on or what?”
“Please, Hunter,” she says, her bottom lip trembling. “Leave it alone for now. I’ll talk to you soon enough.”
I grind my back teeth together, feeling uneasy. But I don’t want to push her too hard because then she’ll never come to me when she actually wants to talk.
“Fine. But promise me that if you need me, you’ll tell me. All right?”
She nods quickly, wiping her eyes again. “I will. Promise.”
Watson walks out of his room. “You ready?” He looks around. “Where’s Cade?”
“Fuck if I know.” I shrug, looking at my sister. “Have you seen him today?”
Her facial expression only saddens, and she puts her hands over her face. “I don’t want to say anything. He’ll never forgive me.”
“Forgive you?” Watson rears his head back. “What the fuck are you talking about, Haley?”
She sniffles, peeking over her hands. “I think he’s passed out in his room.” Her lip trembles. “I think he needs help, Hunter. I think…he’s been taking drugs.”
“Fuck,” I mutter.
I’ve been so wrapped up in everything with Sutton and me that I really haven’t been paying attention to Cade lately. I know he has a history of drug abuse. Hell, he was in a rehab facility for six weeks before he even turned eighteen.
Cade carries a lot of shit from his past with him. I don’t think he’s ever gotten over his best friend dying. In fact, I think he blames himself.
Dropping my bag, I head to his room, Watson hot on my heels and Haley right behind him.
“Please, don’t tell him I said anything,” she cries. “He’ll hate me so much.”
When I push the door open, there he is, passed out. I shove him, and he stirs the smallest bit, only to fall back asleep.
This time, Watson rips his covers off, slapping him on the back. “Wake the fuck up, Huff! We have practice. And after practice, we’re going to figure out a plan for you to get your fucking life together.”
“Fuck off,” Cade groans, pulling a pillow over his head.
“No, fuck you,” Watson growls, grabbing his arm and flipping him onto his back. “Get the fuck up, Cade! We’re on a team. Together. You don’t fucking get high or drunk and sleep all fucking day.”
Cade’s up on his feet within seconds. But instead of getting dressed, he grabs Watson’s shirt. “Fuck you, Gentry! You’re such a Goody Two-shoes.” He shoves him, veins popping out of his neck. “Get off my dick, pussy boy.”
Watson has him in a headlock, and they crash into the dresser. Haley wails, covering her mouth. And I know it’s up to me to split them up.
Grabbing Cade, I pull him backward. “Cut the shit, Huff,” I yell into his ear. “We’re just fucking worried!”
“Let me go!” he screams, and after a bit of fighting, I release him.
Looking at the three of us, he laughs bitterly. “You’re worried? You don’t know the first fucking thing to be worried about when it comes to me.” He shakes his head. “I’m fucking done with hockey. And I’m done with all of you.”
