Page 87 of Of Flesh & Bone

"Barely?!?"Eli leaps up from the couch, sliding Vaughn to the side and grabbing my face.He inspects my face, then my arms, where he notices the scrapes on my elbows.

"What the FUCK, Eve?!?What else?!?"

He lifts my shirt like it's not weird that he can see my bra.

"Eli, she's okay.It's okay."Vaughn comes to his side and puts a calming hand on his chest.

"I have a little sidewalk rash here and there.Nothing serious."

"Who?Where is this walking fucking corpse?"

"Jail.He's in jail.Just let me explain.I handled it, BB.I handled it and I'm really proud of myself."

Eli's gaze darts to mine and softens.

"We're proud of you too, Evie.Mad as hell but proud of you too."

I proceed to tell them everything, starting from why I went into the bathroom all the way to leaving the police station.Eli struggles to compose himself the entire time I recount the events of the night.The funny thing is that Vaughn would be having the same reaction if she wasn't so focused on keeping Eli calm.She's the actual hot head of the two.When I finish explaining everything to them, Vaughn's the first to speak.

"Oh, Eve.I'm so sorry.I shouldn't have let you leave alone."

"I wish you guys could see this the way I do.I didn't panic.I didn't need help.I saved myself.I took a situation that had some real dire potential and turned it into a survival.Not only that but other women may be saved because of how I handled things last night.I don't wish it had gone any differently.I have a new perspective on life today a new faith in myself."

Eli's elbows rest on his knees and his head is in his hands.

"You're amazing, Evie Bear.We've always known it.We could tell you were something special the day we met you.As much as this hurts, I'm glad that you finally see in yourself what we've always seen in you."

I drop to my knees on the floor in front of him and we all hug each other like it's the last chance we'll ever get to do it.

Eli and I spend the rest of the night much the same as we always do, trying to figure out how Vaughn is so good at cheating in Uno.It's almost like her superpower is hands that produce the draw four card.We laugh, we eat, we play cards, and we watch every cheesy show that Eli has been denied for the last couple of months.By the time we all decide to turn in for the evening, my face is sore from smiling and my voice is hoarse from laughing.

Adam will be home Tuesday night.I flip-flop from telling myself that the time apart is good for us and obsessing about whether or not there are any beautiful, self-assured staff members at that retreat.Despite my racing thoughts, I'm able to fall asleep before midnight, so hopefully, I can wake up rested.

.....................................

Keys jingle.They're at the door at the top of the stairs.It opens and light pours through as they descend the steps.Two feet.Four feet.The first set is smaller.Maybe my size.Those legs.It's a girl.He brought a girl.She's close to my age.She's bigger than me.So, maybe she's older.Maybe I'm small.I don't know.He begins speaking to her.

"It's time.It's down there.The Slayer.You'll have to be quick and cunning.Remember, only one of you lives."

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