“HERE YOU GO, babe.” Zach drops two pills in my palm and hands me a bottle of water. “I’m gonna run home for a little bit, but I’ll be back in a few hours. Get some rest.” He kisses me on the forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” I whisper. “Give Zoe a kiss for me.”
“I will. Rest up like the doctor said and, hopefully, soon I can bring Zoe over to see you. Logan says she asks for you every day.”
It’s good to finally be home, in my own bed, after spending nearly two weeks in the hospital.
I’ve had a lot of visitors since I woke up, including the police. I couldn’t use my voice yet and, honestly, I was relieved I wouldn’t have to talk about it. I remember everything that happened that day. Every touch. Every sound. Every word. Every blow from his fists. The pain. The fear. But there are some things that are a little fuzzy.
Lexi, Harper, Cherry, and Olivia came to the hospital every day after school. Turns out Olivia’s older sister, Holly, was one of my nurses and, she was also friends with Harper’s sister. Zach’s parents, Logan, Principal Avery, my teachers, my friends, Juliette from the dance studio, Xavier, and the Mannings all came to visit.
Even Chelsea drove down from school. She cried when she saw me. Thankfully, Zach and Justin knew how to handle her.
Lexi told me that the day Kali and I were attacked, Ashton showed up at the hospital and hasn’t left her side, since. Ashton even brought flowers—ranunculus—my favorite. Which, to me, meant she was trying to make amends. She apologized for the way she treated me and asked for a second chance.
A wise man once told me that life is all about chances. Including second chances.
Judging by the by the expressions on everyone’s faces, I looked like shit. I decided I didn’t want to see my injuries, so I’ve avoided mirrors at all costs. Zach hung a sheet over the mirror in my bathroom—even though he says I’m being ridiculous—so I can’t see my reflection when I brush my teeth or undress for the shower.
Kali came by the hospital and introduced me to her parents. To say I was shocked by her story is an understatement. Holy shit. What that poor girl has been through is unbelievable. Her parents want to take her back home, but she wants to stay in Heritage Bay until graduation. Mom finally convinced her parents to let her stay with us, where she’d be safe, especially since Bass hired more security due to the media camped outside the gates and Lucas is here to help take care of her. I know Kali carries some guilt over what happened to me, but the only ones to blame for this are Austin Boyd and Tripp Daniels—or as Zach refers to them, “the pieces of shit.”
Dr. Ramos has been staying with me for the past week. She was there when I woke up at the hospital but left before I was released. When the nightmares started, my mom asked her to come back.
Zach is practically living with me. He refuses to let me out of his sight and I’m okay with that because I’m afraid to be alone. Mom didn’t even bat an eyelash when he walked in with his bags packed and demanded he was staying. She even helped make room in my closet for his things.
Cam left for baseball camp a week ago and things still unresolved between him and my mom. Zach told me Uncle Liam found out about my mom and Cam and he was pissed. Liam swung on Cam. Cam fought back and security had to break them apart.
Bass is back staying in his apartment. And my amazing Grace, poor thing, has been staying in one of the guest rooms to be closer to me.
Harper has been staying with her dad at Principal Avery’s house. I still can’t wrap my head around that.
Slipping out of bed, I make my way out to my balcony. There’s still a slight chill in the air in the early morning. I spot a familiar figure perched on the dock. Grabbing a blanket, I slowly make my way down the steps.
“Can’t sleep?” I croak. My throat is still healing. I sound like shit.
Bass smiles at me over his shoulder and watches as I approach. He reaches out and grips my arm to steady me, as I ease myself down to sit beside him and pull the blanket tighter around me.
“You’re supposed to be resting, Princess,” he says. “I take it Romeo left.”
“Yeah.” I sigh. “I can’t sleep, B. I’m afraid to fall asleep.”
He wraps his arm around my shoulders and tucks me in to his side. “Tell me why.”
I shrug. “I can still feel him. His lips, his tongue, his hands, and his fists.” I shudder. Bass tries to cover the growl by clearing his throat. “Every time I close my eyes, I see his face, and I want to throw up. Sometimes when Zach kisses me or hugs me, I have flashbacks. I try to shut it off because I don’t want to hurt Zach. He’s having a hard time as it is.”
He rubs his hand over his bald head. “Is that what your nightmares are about?”
I nod and he gives me a reassuring squeeze, but not too hard since my ribs are still healing. “I’m sorry this happened to you, Princess. I’ll never be able to forgive myself for not being there.”
“Oh, my God, B, stop that. It’s about as much your fault as it is mine.”
Bass stays silent.
“There’s something I need to tell you.”
“Hmm?”
“I talked to my dad.” I smile and Bass lifts a curious brow. “He told me to tell you to stop blaming yourself and to tell you thank you for taking care of his family.”
Bass just nods and lowers his head.
WALKING INTO MY house, I head straight upstairs to my room and fall face first into my bed. It’s Saturday and I just need a few hours to myself. Jay’s nightmares are becoming more frequent, which keeps me up half the night, taking a toll on my sanity. This past week I’ve had a hard time focusing and have been struggling to stay awake in class.
“Zach,” my mom whispers as she walks into my room.
“Hmm?”
She sits down on the edge of my bed and runs her fingers through my hair. “What are you doing home? You okay?”
I roll to my back and look over at her. “Jay’s been having nightmares.” My mom frowns. “She’s not doing well, Mom. She flinches every time I touch her or kiss her and I know it’s because she’s thinking of that piece of shit. She’s wounded physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her doctor warned me this might happen. I just want to help her feel safe again.”
“Zach, I don’t think Jayla expects you to do anything except be there for her. I think just having you by her side is all she needs. Don’t put that kind of pressure on yourself. Just be there for her. If it gets to be too much, then come home. I’m sure she’ll understand.”
“I’m not leaving her. I just need a couple of hours to myself. I’m exhausted.”
She pats my back and stands. “Get some rest. I’ll wake you in a couple of hours.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
She smiles, knowingly. “Of course.” She bends over and kisses my forehead like she used to when I was little. “Get some sleep,” she says as she turns and walks out of my room, shutting the door behind her.