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God, I really, really hope she’s right.
14
Haley
Ilie in my bed, hugging my pillow against my stomach. My eyes are swollen after I cried myself to sleep last night. Remi had stayed with me, rubbing my back and trying to make me feel better. But this morning, she had swim practice, and now, I’m alone.
Remi is the only person I want near me when I am this distraught. Remi or Cade, but since he wasn’t an option, Remi it was.
I heard him come home in the early morning hours, but I didn’t bother to go out and confront him. I didn’t know what I’d even say. All I know is, it’s not just me anymore. There’s a person growing inside of me, and me making myself sick all day and night, worrying whether or not Cade has overdosed somewhere, isn’t healthy. I can’t do it, no matter how much I love him.
He might hate me for what I’m about to do, but I don’t care. If it keeps him here on this earth, so be it. He can hate me forever. I just can’t bear the thought of him dying.
Getting out of bed, I pull a sweatshirt on over my tank top and head downstairs. It’s quiet down here, which only makes everything feel worse.
As more tears spill from my eyes, I can’t help but wonder,How much can one person cry before they run out of tears?
I curl up on the couch and try to calm myself down. When you’re so anxious that your heart feels like it’s in your throat and your stomach actually hurts … that’s when you know things are bad. Very, very bad.
A few minutes later, my brother comes down the stairs, and I tell myself right then, before I tell him what’s going on, I need to talk to Cade.
“What’s wrong?” he asks when he takes one look at my face. “What the fuck happened?”
“I’m fine, really.” I try to offer him a smile, but it’s useless. “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.” His eyes narrow at me. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on or what?”
“Please, Hunter,” I say, my throat closing up from the lump in it. “Leave it alone for now. I’ll talk to you soon enough.”
He gives me a hard glare but eventually nods. “Fine. But promise me that if you need me, you’ll tell me. All right?”
I wipe my eyes. “I will. Promise.”
Watson walks into the room, his duffel bag slung on his shoulder. “You ready?” He looks around. “Where’s Cade?”
“Fuck if I know.” Hunter shrugs before looking at me. “Have you seen him today?”
I put my hands over my face to stop them from seeing me break down. “I don’t want to say anything. He’ll never forgive me.”
“Forgive you?” Watson says, confused. “What the fuck are you talking about, Haley?”
I peer at him and then my brother through my fingers. “I think he’s passed out in his room.” My lip quivers, and I bite it to stop it. “I think he needs help, Hunter. I think … he’s been taking drugs.”
“Fuck,” Hunter mutters, dragging his hand through his hair.
Both guys drop their bags and head toward the stairs, and I scurry off the couch to follow them.
“Please, don’t tell him I said anything,” I cry. “He’ll hate me so much.”
My brother pushes the door to Cade’s room open, and Cade stirs a little, only to fall back asleep.
Watson takes a few large strides before stopping next to the bed and yanking the blankets off Cade. “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 barks before 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 gets up on his feet and grabs Watson’s shirt. “Fuck you, Gentry! Goody Two-shoes Gentry.” As he shoves Watson, veins pop out of his neck. “Get off my dick, pussy boy.”
