Page 180 of Love Me

“I’m good at blowing up things.”

Mia plops down on the chair and says, “From an orphan to having both of your parents back. That’s not weird at all.”

We burst into laughter. I look at my friends, vowing to have more moments like these.

“You can cut the crap now,” Abi says. “We have to talk, because you might say you’re fine, and you might try to hide it. But the memories will eat at you, and when you least expect it, they will resurface.”

“If this Family was good for anything, it was to make us stronger than we ever thought.”

“Promise.” She insists and I nod, but I need more time to process.

I am still forcing everything to the back of my head. She smiles at me reassuringly.

“So you and Hunter are not odd at all,” I turn to Bailey.

She fidgets with her fingers. “He sees me as weak and annoying.”

Mia places a hand on her shoulder. “You intrigue him, and he’s going to eat his words when he finds out.”

“Hey, we shouldn’t keep secrets anymore.” Abi pouts.

Mia says, “Yes. Agree. Girl power.”

We all nod and a yawn parts my lips.

Mia says, “We’ll come back tomorrow.”

“Okay. Love you.”

“Love you too,” they say back.

I try to keep my eyes open, but the fatigue drags me down in sweet blackness.

Darkness bathes the room when my eyes open. My heart rate spikes, making the machine beep quicker. My chest heaves with my rapid breathing as the sound thunders in my ear.

Kaden shoots up from his chair, taking my hand, instantly calming me.

“Hey, baby, I’m here.”

What is wrong with me? I am not scared of the dark.

“I feel pathetic.”

“Strange. I see a fighter and a survivor. Are you blind, Sky? I know my beauty puts you on your back and all,” he teases, lightening the mood.

“So arrogant.”

“Sky, I am talking based on solid facts.”

“It’s not over,” I whisper.

He cups my face in his hands and leans in to kiss me. “We’ll fight through everything. Together.”

“I’m tired of fighting, Kaden. But together sounds perfect.”

I pat the spot next to me. Concern lines those mesmerizing eyes of his.

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

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