Page 27 of Healing Souls

Speaking of, I lift my shirt and pull back the bandage. They are still in and not bleeding, so I guess that’s good, but I need a shower, and I’m not waiting until this heals.

One thing I learned about myself since running away from Tammy’s is that I can’t stand not showering. After my, well, we’ll call it my depression hole, where I didn’t leave bed for two weeks, I started taking at least two showers a day. It took me a few weeks before I actually started feeling clean, and Brielle helped me tame my hair. It was a giant mess that I didn’t know how to handle. My mom always did it, and then I had no way of maintaining it at Tammy’s. But Bri helped me with it. It’s long, wavy, and thick, and as of right now, it’s going to take a full day to get these tangles out.

I sigh and search the drawers for something to put over my stitches. I find some new bandages and throw one on. It’s not waterproof, but it’ll have to do if I want to shower.

I strip down and take a nice long shower. There are male hair and body products in here, so I just use those hoping for the best. By the time I get out, I know it’s been at least an hour. I grab a towel from under the sink and then realize my mistake… I have no clothes in here.

“Fuck,” I groan just as a knock sounds on the door.

I glance at the door and then down at me in only a towel… Thoughts of Richard always watching me if I was upstairs assault my mind.These people aren’t him. He was a fucking sicko.

I take a few deep breaths and yell, “Yeah?”

A soft but masculine shy voice sounds, causing a grin to form on my lips. “Hey, uh, I heard the shower running and figured you have no clothes. I have your, um, bag here and a t-shirt and sweats in case you want those.”

I crack the door open and pop my head out, finding a blushing Grayson standing there. I give him a smile. “Thank you so much. I didn’t realize I forgot to get clothes. I just really wanted a shower.”

He keeps his eyes directly on mine as he nods. “Right. Here you go.” He hands me the bag and clothes before rushing off.

After I get dressed, deciding to wear the borrowed t-shirt and sweats that I think belong to Grayson since he’s the closest in size to me and these are only slightly baggy, I leave the bathroom and walk back to the bedroom to find it empty. I know I have a lot of things to figure out now, and I still have questions, so instead of hiding in here and letting myself curl up and go numb to it all, I exhale and walk out of the bedroom towards the living room.

I find Ryker and Grayson in the kitchen, the latter cooking something and making me realize I am hungry as my stomach grumbles. I don’t even know the last time I ate something.

“Hey, little flame, feel better after showering?” Ryker asks as he notices me, causing Grayson to turn around and look at me.

My mouth feels suddenly extremely dry, so all I do is nod. Ryker pulls out the stool next to him and taps it. I move without thought, taking a seat while trying to figure out the best way to ask what I need to know. Before I can, a finger comes under my chin, turning my head towards Ryker’s face.

He murmurs, “What are you thinking so hard about?”

Everything spills out. “Who shot me? Where are they? Why? Can I talk to them? Who’s house is this? Where is everyone else? Is Bri okay? How long did I sleep?”

Before I can ask more questions, Ryker’s finger is on my lips.

“Shhh. Okay, okay, you have questions.” He chuckles. “What do you want to know first?”

I exhale as he moves his finger. Every time he touches me, it feels like my entire body lights on fire. I’m not sure I understand why. Instead of pondering that further, I ask, “Where is everyone? Whose house is this?”

It’s Grayson who answers this time from where he is making eggs and bacon at the stove. My mouth waters at the smell and the sizzle of the bacon.

“This is Rage’s house. Rage is currently at the clubhouse dealing with a few things, and he talked with Brielle, Atlas, and Lincoln. They went back to their hotel, I believe. Rage wanted to give you a little time alone, but he’ll be back soon to talk to you. I think with Atlas.”

Ryker sighs, “Who didn’t want to leave you alone. But Brielle and Lincoln convinced him after he yelled at everyone. The dude really cares for you.”

I nod. “He’s been like a big brother and father to me over the last few months.”

“So, when you left here, you went to them?”

I grimace, knowing they won’t like the answer, but I also don’t want to lie. Secrets and lies have kept me in the dark for years, and I’m over that. I want honesty and to know what’s happening, so I guess that means I need to give what I’m asking for.

I watch as Grayson shoots Ryker a glare, to which Ryker shrugs. “You told me to be patient and not push it. I never said I would.”

That brings a chuckle out of me, which has both of them watching me with smiles.

I clear my throat and answer his question. “When I left Tammy’s, I had no idea where I was going. I had, um, these memories of my mom telling me stories, and I was taking a chance that they were real. I didn’t find Bri right away. For a week, I was on my own.

Ryker’s face morphs from happy and carefree to angry within seconds. “You know, I thought I had no self-preservation skills, but I think you might out beat me on that. That wasn’t a smart thing to do. You’re sixteen. How did you even manage to survive on your own?”

I attempt to tamper down my anger at what he says. He doesn’t understand why I had to leave. But that doesn’t mean I’m able to say my next words softly. They come out much more harsh than I intend them to.

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