Page 234 of Finding Us

“Great. Well, I should go check on Jade.”

“I know I’ve said this before, but you’re a nice young man, Garret. We should talk more. You should at least get on the phone when Jade calls me so I can say hello.”

“Okay, I will.”

“Tell Jade I hope she feels better soon. Have her call me when she does.”

We say goodbye and I quietly walk back into the bedroom. Jade’s huddled up in the blankets, shivering. I feel so bad for her.

“I’m so cold,” she says, her teeth chattering.

I feel her forehead. She’s still burning up.

“I just talked to Grace and she gave me some things to try that might make you feel better.”

“You talked to Grace?”

“Yeah, I called her and she gave me a list of stuff to get, so I need to go to the store.”

“Can you wait until tomorrow? I don’t want you to leave. I seriously think I might be dying here.”

“You’re not dying. It just feels like it. Oh, I forgot to tell you that Sara and Caleb also have the flu.”

“Did I give it to them? I hope not.”

“You didn’t. It’s going around. Caleb’s day care had it last week and Camsburg sent out an announcement saying half the campus has it now. Two of your classes and one of mine are canceled tomorrow because the professors are sick.”

“Why aren’tyousick?” She’s curled up in a ball and her eyes are struggling to stay open.

“I don’t get sick. I did when I was a kid but I don’t anymore. I haven’t been sick since I was 15. I must have a strong immune system.”

She’s not listening. I think she’s falling asleep.

“Jade, I’m gonna run to the store.“

“I don’t want to be alone,” she mumbles.

I get up from the bed. “I won’t be gone long.”

“It’s worse when you’re alone,” she whispers, her eyes now closed.

“What’s worse?”

“Sick, alone, nobody would help.” Her eyes are still closed and I’m not sure if she even knows what she’s saying. “I wanted to die.”

She says it quietly, but I hear every word. And it kills me to hear those words. I wish I could take away her past. Get rid of those memories she still holds on to.

She’s shivering again so I pull the blanket over her.

“It’s worse when you’re alone.” She says it in just the faintest whisper.

I take my phone out, keeping my eyes on her as I walk to the other side of the room.

I call Dylan. “Hey. It’s Garret. I know we don’t know each other that well but I’m wondering if you could do me a favor.” He agrees and I read off the list of stuff I need.

Then I get back in bed. “I’m right here, Jade.” I lean down and kiss her forehead. “You’re not alone.”

CHAPTERFIFTY-FIVE

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