Page 94 of One of Them Girls

“Ryan,” I whisper, frantically looking around.

“Cass.” Jared tries to grab me, but I move around him and around the car.

There. Laying halfway out the window, crushed under the car, is my brother.

“Ryan!” I screech. Running over, I fall to my knees. Hands shaking, not knowing where to touch him. “Ryan,” I whisper as tears fall down my face. I brush his hair off his forehead as I look at his pale skin and blue lips.

“Cass,” Jared says, full of anguish. He comes up behind me and pulls me into him.

“No! I need to touch him,” I say, sobbing.

I latch on to my cold brother’s hand and break down.

“It’s all my fault, I’m sorry, Cass. It’s all my fault,” Jared chants in the background.

I don’t know how long after I hear the sirens and I hold on tighter.

“Miss, you need to let go,” someone whispers, touching my shoulder.

I look over my shoulder, “I can’t. He’s my brother, I can’t leave him. He wouldn’t leave me.”

“Cassi,” someone says, pulling me out of my thoughts. I blink and see Rebecca, frowning. “You okay?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“You’re shaking.”

“I am?” I ask, voice shaking. I clear my throat. “Where’s Jack?”

“Tinsley and her family got here. Her brother got us moved into a private waiting room. We should get in there,” she says as she rubs my shoulder. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I am.” I stand on wobbly legs.

“I would understand if this brought up some terrible memories,” she prods.

“I’m fine. Promise. Let’s get in there. I want to know if they know anything.”

“Okay, but I’m here.” She takes my hand and pulls me into another room. “I know I was a little short with you on the way here, but I needed to get here. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. We’re all a little on edge.”

“You know Jack didn’t mean it either. He adores you.”

My heart pangs. I know Jack didn’t mean it, but it was painful to hear.

“I know,” I say, motioning for her to show me the way.

She leads me down the hall to a new area. Then she opens the door.

Stepping inside, I see there are more people. A lot more people. Two guys and two females.

Tinsley.

I see her standing, wrapped in an attractive man’s arms as a blonde woman rubs her arm. The man holding hands with the blonde looks like he could be related to Tinsley.

I know I should go say something, but I’m at a loss for words. I don’t think Tinsley ever likes me much, but I know she has to hate me by now.

Instead of going to her, I make my way over to Jack.

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