Page 98 of Shattered Melodies

“You okay over there?” Caleb asked, glancing at me from the driver’s seat. “You’re awfully quiet.”

I forced a smile, trying to keep my voice light. “Yeah, just taking it all in, you know?”

He nodded, his eyes back on the road. “I bet. Must be like stepping into a time machine or something.”

“Something like that,” I muttered, my gaze drawn to a familiar building looming ahead.

Oakwood Grove High. The scene of so many memories, both good and bad. As we drove past, it was like someone had pressed play on a movie in my head. Suddenly, I wasn’t in Caleb’s truck anymore. I was back there, on that night.

The prom. The excitement buzzing in the air, the cheesy decorations, the pounding music. Caleb and I, sneaking glances at each other across the gym, trying to keep our secret safe.

Then Jake. His face twisted with disgust and triumph as he outed us to everyone. The shocked gasps, the cruel laughter, the feeling of my world crumbling around me.

Running. My feet pounding against the pavement, tears blurring my vision. The screech of tires, the blinding headlights, the sickening crunch of metal meeting flesh.

Pain. So much pain.

“Liam! Liam, hey, breathe. Come on, breathe with me.”

I gasped, pulled back to the present by Caleb’s voice. We were stopped on the side of the road, Caleb’s hand on my arm, his eyes wide with concern.

“Shit,” I panted, realizing I was shaking. “Shit, I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened.”

Caleb squeezed my arm gently. “It’s okay. You had a panic attack, I think. Are you alright?”

I nodded, embarrassed and angry at myself for losing control like that. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“We don’t have to do this, Liam. We can turn around right now if you want.” Caleb said softly, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on my arm.

Part of me wanted to say yes. To run away, to hide from all the pain and fear that this town stirred up in me. But a bigger part, the part that was tired of being controlled by my past, rebelled against the idea.

“No,” I said, my voice stronger than I felt. “No, I want to do this. I need to do this.”

Caleb studied me for a moment, his eyes searching mine. “You sure? There’s no shame in needing more time.”

I shook my head, squaring my shoulders. “I’m sure. Let’s go.”

He nodded, giving my arm one last squeeze before putting the truck back in gear. As we started moving again, I took a deep breath, trying to center myself.

CHAPTER 28

The Calm Before

CALEB

Shit. I should’ve known better. Should’ve realized he was still dealing with trauma.

I glanced over at him as I drove, trying to keep my eyes on the road while also checking on him. He was staring out the window, his jaw clenched tight, that faraway look still in his eyes.

“Hey,” I said softly, not wanting to startle him. “You with me, Liam?”

He blinked, turning to look at me. “Yeah,” he mumbled, but I could tell he wasn’t really there.

I took a deep breath, weighing my options. I’d never been great at the whole comforting thing - preferred to deal with my own shit alone, you know? But this was Liam. And for him, I’d try anything.

Slowly, carefully, I reached out and placed my hand on top of his. For a second, I felt him start to pull away, and my heart sank. But then, to my surprise, he grabbed onto my hand like it was a lifeline.

“I’m sorry,” I said, keeping my voice low and steady. “I didn’t think and I should’ve been more careful.”

---