Whiskey & Vows

E I G H T

C H A P T E R  E I G H T || YOU AND I WE’RE A TIMEBOMB

 

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          “I called your father and told him we wouldn’t make it to dinner.” I told Derek as he came down from our bedroom. He changed from his work clothes into a pair of athletic shorts and a sweatshirt. I still supported my leggings and I grabbed a hooded sweatshirt in case it cooled down. I had no idea what the game plan was, but I knew we needed to get to the hospital. Derek typed furiously at his phone and grabbed his keys.

          “You’re not driving.” I said, snatching them out of his hands. He calmed down since our short trip home, but I didn’t want to risk it. Derek still seemed on edge and even though I didn’t witness him cry, I knew he had. Derek didn’t argue and slipped his wallet in his pocket of his athletic shorts.

          “We’ll stop at McDonald’s and get a coffee, then head to the hospital. Do you need anything before we go?” Derek looked around and shook his head.

          “Alright, let’s head out.” I huffed, hiking my bag over my shoulder. Derek followed closely behind, not saying a word. I wondered how we were ever going to be normal when things like this happened. We quickly got into my Jeep and I sped out of his driveway. Derek clutched the door as a drove, but didn’t say a word about my speeding.

          “Anna?”

          “Yeah?”

          “What do you think is going to happen?” He asked quietly. He reminded me of a young child as he sat quietly, looking out the window. I sighed and brushed my hair out of my face.

          “I don’t know, Derek.”

          “I just close my eyes and-“

          “I know.” I said, reaching over to hold his hand. Once again, my actions surprised the both of us and Derek froze next to me. I tried to ignore how this could look and focused on calming him down.

          “We’ll see what we can do, we’re not his guardians or on any emergency forms so I doubt we can do much, but I don’t know what family of his will be there.” I admitted.

          “I don’t think anyone will.” He sighed. “He never talked about any friends or going over to a grandparents house; he just talked about his parents fighting.” He sighed. “I should have done something-“ He rambled and ran his hand through his hair. He never let go of my hand, causing stupid butterflies to fill my stomach.

          “You couldn’t have prevented this situation, Derek.” I replied.

          “I shouldn’t have let him cross the street-“

          “Derek.”

          “He has a hard time walking and he didn’t have enough time to move before his mother came around-“

          “Derek, stop.” I pleaded. “This is not your fault; you couldn’t have prevented that situation. You were there with him until he was taken by ambulance and you’re going to be there for him now. That’s all you can do and that’s better than what he receives from his family.” I squeezed his hand and surprisingly, Derek squeezed back. I pulled into McDonald’s and ordered us large coffees, hoping that tonight will go smoothly.