Page 66 of Hale
Rylie
My mind is a mess. Not the usual dark and confusing mess. This mess makes perfect sense because Hudson and I are at the center of it. Every thought is of him. The way he makes me feel both emotionally and physically.
“I hope Hudson drives carefully,” Aunt Becky says. “The rain is terrible.”
I stare out the front windshield as the wipers swipe back and forth frantically. He left early this morning because he has a class this afternoon. Saturday night was fun dancing with him and then Sunday we spent the day watching movies with our aunt and uncle. It was almost as if Aunt Becky knew we wanted to be alone together because she tried to fill up every second by hanging out with us. Thankfully, Hudson did as promised both nights and snuck into my room. We made love many times and as dawn would peek over the horizon, he’d sneak back down to the basement.
I miss him already and he only left a few hours ago.
“He’s a good driver and will call us when he gets back,” I tell her firmly. I won’t allow my mind to get cluttered with images of losing him. He’s mine and he’s not going anywhere.
As soon as Aunt Becky parks in front of Dr. Livingston’s office, I’m irrationally angry. I don’t want to come here anymore. I would have thrown a fit and told her I wasn’t coming, but Hudson is the one who asked me to go. He was diligent about making me take my medicine all weekend too. I’d like to think I’d be fine, but the way he worries over me melts my heart. I’m doing this for him, not her.
“What? No sigh today?” Aunt Becky teases when she shuts off the car.
I shrug. “It is what it is. Just ready to get this over with so I can go to school.”
“School? Since when?” She laughs.
“Since there became an end in sight.”
She reaches over and clutches my hand. “I can’t believe you’re graduating from high school already. Two more weeks and you’ll be all grown up. Rylie?”
“Yeah?”
“Just because you don’t want to go to college, you’re still welcome to stay as long as you like. I don’t ever want you to feel like you’re pressured to leave our house. You’ve always got a home with us.”
I smile at her but don’t tell her my home is with Hudson. “Thanks.”
She lets go of my hand and we run through the rain into the clinic. Once I’m settled in a room, alone, I pull out my phone.
Me: I know you’re still driving. Be careful. Love you, big brother.
We discussed that our texts can’t reveal anything about our relationship in case anyone ever gets a hold of them. It’s hard not to say more than what I want, but I can save that for our phone calls.
Hudson: I stopped at McDonalds. So far, so good. Wish I didn’t have to go back.
Me: Me too. Two weeks feels like forever. Are you coming to my graduation?
Hudson: I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
I grin as I reply.
Me: We need to plan our summer vacation now that Mom and Dad are no longer here.
Hudson: We will. Our traditions don’t die with them.
Me: The doctor is about to come in and then I’ll be off to school. Text me when you get there so I know you made it safely.
Hudson: Thank you for going. You’re doing the right thing. Love you, little sister.
The door opens and I’m forced to put my phone away. Dr. Livingston can’t hide his surprise when he sees me.
“Wow,” he says, grinning. “Eighteen looks good on you. Smiles look good on you. I take it the medication is working?”
Fucking my brother is helping.
“Yep, I think so.”
