Page 39 of Choosing Skyler

“I got some sleep today. Devon threatened to kick me out if I didn’t.” I chuckle.

“Good. You needed it,” she replies. “I’ll try to keep it down when I come in.”

“I’ll be up. Do whatever you need to,” I tell her.

“I’ll be back at midnight,” she tells me before heading to the door.

Once she’s gone, I go back to talking to Skyler like I’ve been doing the past two hours. I tell her about Devon bullying me into falling apart and taking a nap. I tell her how much better I feel. I tell her that I miss her. I beg her to come back to me.

I lay my head on her chest to listen to her heartbeat. Her chest begins to rise and fall faster, and I feel her hand twitch in mine. I sit up and look at her face to see the most beautiful thing I think I’ve ever seen—sky-blue eyes.

Chapter 16

Skyler

I’ve been fighting the weight holding me down all day. I’ve heard Brady and Devon argue. I’ve heard Brady lose it and cry with Devon. I’ve heard Tracey admit that she’s had feelings for Devon that she kept hidden because of what she thought Devon and I were and that it wasn’t worth losing our friendships over unrequited feelings. I’ve heard Devon admit to seeing her and Joey together and being jealous of them both. I’ve heard Tracey’s laughter over Devon threatening to tea bag Brady if he didn’t wake up in the next five seconds.

Then, since Brady has been here alone, I’ve heard his stories. He told me about his mom and what it was like growing up with a woman who would do anything for him. He told me about finding out she had cancer and what it was like to experience his first panic attack. He told me about preparing for her death even though he could never really be prepared for something so devastating. He told me how much he wished that I could have met her and how much she would have loved me.

Julie comes in and comments on how much better he looks tonight after getting some rest. He tells her that he’ll be awake and not to worry about disturbing him to take care of me. I’m so tired of seeing darkness. I want to see Brady. I miss his face. I miss his golden blond hair and light brown eyes with the fire in them when he looks at me. I fight to find the right muscles to open my eyes.

“I miss you so much, Beautiful.Pleasecome back to me,” Brady whispers before I feel his head on my chest.

My breaths come faster with the fight to reach him. I squeeze his hand and my eyes finally open just as he sits up. His eyes widen at the sight of mine. He doesn’t move other than to squeeze my hand in his. Tears fill his eyes and spill down his cheeks.

“Hey, Beautiful,” he chokes out and it’s the most amazing sound I’ve ever heard.

The sight of him blurs through my own tears and he cups my face with his free hand.

“I’m right here, Beautiful. You’re safe. I promise,” he sobs.

I squeeze his hand again. I want to talk to him, but I can’t find my voice. So, I just stare into his eyes, hoping he can read my words through my eyes. He grabs the remote attached to the bed and presses the red button over and over until a beep sounds and Julie’s voice comes through the speaker.

“Yes?” she answers.

“She’s awake. Her eyes are open and she’s squeezing my hand,” he tells her through sobs.

“I’ll be right there,” she replies.

I have to find my voice before she gets here. I’ll be damned if my first words aren’t to Brady. That’s unacceptable. I fight to speak. I squeeze his hand tighter, and my breaths come faster.

“I’m right here, Beautiful. I’m not going anywhere. Breathe with me. Stay with me. I need you. I choose you. Iloveyou!” he sobs, pulling our clasped hands to his chest.

I gasp. Finally finding my mouth, I try to tell him that I love him too, but the words won’t come out. It’s just a jumbled rasp. So, I reach for him with my other hand and grip the back of his neck, staring into his eyes.

“I know, Beautiful. Iseeyou. I know!” he says just as the door flies open and Julie runs to my side.

“Oh, Skyler. It’s so good to see your eyes open. How are you feeling? Are you in any pain? Can you speak?” she shoots off rapid fire questions.

I don’t look at her and I can’t speak. I just grip Brady’s hand and neck, trying to keep it together.

He answers her without looking away from me. “She tried to speak but couldn't.”

“We knew there was some damage to her vocal cords. Hopefully, that will heal when the swelling goes down. Skyler, I’m going to remove the cervical collar from your neck so that you can you nod or shake your head to answer,” she says before reaching up to release the straps on the side of the collar around my neck. She gently removes the collar and asks if I can move my head. I can, but I don’t. Not for her. I grip Brady’s neck tighter. Trying to pull myself up.

“Don’t move too much. Okay?” Brady says, laying his hand on my chest to stop me.

I nod and settle back down.

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