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He nodded, steepling his fingers again. “I do, Miss Bennett, and that’s why I think it may be a good idea to go home for the rest of the year. The fact that you survived not one, but two horrific car accidents that claimed the lives of the drivers and the fact that you keep denying the way the crash occurred tells me that you may not be ready for the stress of classes.”
I swear, my jaw dropped open, and I had to mentally focus to close it. “I’m sorry, but I guarantee you that the accident occurred the way I’m saying that it did. We were hit from behind, and Brett was alive after we came to a rest against the trees. I don’t know why people won’t believe me!” My voice was getting higher and louder and I had to concentrate to look calm again.
Judging by the way he raised his eyebrows, it didn’t entirely work.
“Miss Bennett, I’m going to level with you.” He glanced around like he was making sure that nobody was listening in on our conversation, but I had a feeling that that was just for show. He wanted me to believe him and to trust him, but right now the list of people I trusted was ridiculously short.
“Do it.”
“Brett is dead. It was a terrible accident, and one that you, quite frankly, probably shouldn’t have walked away from. You did, and a lot of people are calling that a miracle. But you and I also know that survivor’s guilt is a very real thing and that you are going to have a lot of problems understanding and dealing with his death, just like you did with your dad’s. I strongly suggest that you take the rest of the year and either homeschool yourself or go to another high school.”
“Are you suggesting or telling me that I have to do that?”
A fly had somehow gotten into the room and it was slamming itself against the window in an effort to get out. Even though I wanted to turn and look at it, I did my best to keep my attention on Dr. Devy. He needed to know that I was focused on him and that I was going to pay attention to what he had to say, even if I did think that most of it was bullshit.
“You know that I can’t make you leave Taylor Prep.”
No, I didn’t know that, but that was nice to hear.
“But I can strongly recommend it.”
I sighed and leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “Are we done here, doctor? I’m ready to get back to my dorm room, see my friends, and prepare for classes tomorrow. Or do you think that I’m just too precious that I can’t live on my own?”
“I think that you could be a risk to yourself, yes.”
“And what are you going to do about that?” I was baiting him, and I knew it. The truth about Brett’s death hadn’t really sunk in yet, but that was probably because I didn’t believe it. He wasn’t dead. I knew that he wasn’t dead.
I’d seen him breathe, and I was going to hold onto that memory as long as I could. I didn’t give a shit what they said. He was alive.
“The funeral is tomorrow. All classes are cancelled tomorrow and Tuesday. You go to the funeral and then meet with me on both days in lieu of classes and I will consider giving you the all-clear, do you understand?”
I nodded, but my mind was already racing.
They were having a funeral?
For the first time since I had been told that Brett died, I started to wonder if people were telling me the truth.
Something squeezed my heart and I turned to look back out the window. I heard, rather than saw, Dr. Devy get up and leave.
That was fine.
If he was really dead, then I needed to be alone.
If he was really dead, then I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.
I knew that I still had Jackie and Kaleb.
But I also loved Brett.
Chapter 19
Brett’s mom was at the funeral. Of course she was. It was me that she hated, and me she didn’t want in her house this past weekend. I wanted to go up and speak to her, but Jackie held me back.
“Don’t be rash, Rosita. Even if you think that she was trying to warn you and Brett to be safe, do you think that approaching her in front of everyone at the funeral is a good idea?” His breath was warm in my ear and I shivered, partly because of the way it felt, but also because I knew that he was right.
It was in my best interest to avoid her and to avoid anyone who she talked to.
Go to the funeral. Mourn Brett. Get out.
