Page 80 of Cloudless
Lila’s red car comes into view at the end of the street as I hear Jasper unlock the door. “It’s open.”
I pull in her driveway at an angle, not even taking the time to straighten the tires. Thankfully, I still have enough brain cells to remember to put the car in park and turn it off. I end the call and slip my phone in my pocket as I slam the car door behind me.
Jasper’s blue eyes peek around the curtain with the phone still to his ear. My sneakers dig into the pavement as I pump my legs. The doorknob is warm against my palm from the morning sun despite the chill in the air as I twist the metal with a crushing force.
Birdsong and the sound of distant cars fades as I close the door behind me. As soon as the latch clicks shut, Jasper’s arms are around my waist as he buries his face against my stomach. “Thank you for answering my call.”
Without a second thought, I bend down and scoop him into my arms. “Always, Tank.”
I move toward her room with him clutching my neck. My breath stalls in my chest as his fingers dig into the hair at the nape of my neck as I enter her room.
Posey’s sad eyes meet mine as she looks over her shoulder from her spot on the bed next to her sister. The worry melts from her shoulders as her eyes light up. “Hi, Kam.”
I force a smile onto my face as I sit Jasper on his feet at the foot of the bed. “Hey, Rosie Posey.”
My breath stutters in my chest as I take in Lila’s sweat soaked brow and pale skin. I inch toward her as I count her breaths. The relief that floods my chest is immediate when I realize her breathing is normal.
A soft yellow rug provides cushioning for my knees as I kneel next to her. My voice is soft as I place the back of my hand against her forehead. “Hi, Sunshine.” A crease forms between her brows as she tilts her head closer to me. “I’m here now. You’re going to be okay.”
I run through the possibilities in my mind as I take her pulse. She was fine when we left the rink last night, so this came on fast, whateveritis. Her pulse is normal, which is a great sign.
I perform the skin turgor test on the back of her hand to check for dehydration. Her skin takes a second and a half to return to normal.
Did I see her drink any water last night?
No. I don’t think I did.
“Damn it, Lila.”
I jump as Posey’s voice registers. “That’s a dollar for the swear jar, Kam.”
A reluctant smile forms on my face despite the worry still coursing through my veins. I force myself to move away from Lila, even though that’s the last thing in the world I want to do. “Okay, I’ve got a job for you guys. Are you ready?”
Their eyes light up as they nod their heads.
“I need you guys to go get ready for school while I make a few phone calls. Can you do that real fast for me?”
Their hesitant eyes roam over their sister before they fly from the room as I pull my phone from my pocket and dial my sister's number.
Her cheery voice sounds from the other end after two rings. “Hey, little brother.”
“Ellie, I need your help.”
Without a pause, she replies. “What do you need?”
CHAPTER 37
DREAMING OF CHOCOLATE EYES
LILA
I dream of a secret place filled with beautiful sunsets and large, gentle creatures.
I dream of a hockey rink filled with red and white and a warmth that takes my breath away despite the icy chill in the air.
I dream of chocolate eyes that make me feel safe and whole.
Voices filter through my mind on distant waves as dreams fade in and out of focus. I yearn to move closer to the gentle voice that speaks of sunshine, but no matter how hard I try, that voice is always just out of reach.
