Choices (Book Four)

Chapter 26

Shawn

When I make it to Oakridge it's almost seven o'clock. I manage to stop to pickup coffee and breakfast to bring with me to Bailey's even though I want nothing more than to get there as quickly as possible I figure I need the bit of caffeine in my system and I get a box of muffins for the girls after their night. The entire drive I spent going every horrible scenario in my head, each one worse than the next as I tortured myself with images of a frightened Lyla and Connor's smug and cocky smile. I'm surprised I didn't end up putting a dent in the steering wheel with how many times I hit it, but luckily it looks untouched. My fist on the other hand isn't so lucky. My knuckles are red and even a bit scraped.

I pull into Bailey's apartment parking lot and breathe a sigh of relief that I finally made it. Nerves start to kick in at the thought I'm about to see Lyla again in a few minutes. I know she will be upset when she sees me, after all she told Bailey not to contact me. But what could I do when I heard about her and Connor other then get to her right away. She is alone with this since Megan isn't back in town yet and I know she is stubborn and thinks she doesn't need anyone, but I know what her past with Connor has done to her mental health. I need her to know that she isn't alone, if she refuses to speak to me I still want her to see that I showed up for her.

I call Bailey who infuriatingly answers after the eighth ring and tells me she will be right down to let me in. I exit the car and carry the coffees and box of muffins to the front door as I wait. I feel like crap and probably look like it to no doubt, I'm still rocking my sweats and didn't even think to pack a bag with a change of clothes so this is my only option. Bailey still has a blanket wrapped around her when she greets me at the door and I follow her into the building. We ride silently in the elevator up to the fourth floor where she exits first and I follow her down to her apartment.

"I brought some coffee and muffins," I offer as I place the box and tray of coffee cups on her kitchen table.

"Thanks," she replies.

I glance around her living room area, my eyes already searching for Lyla.

"She's sleeping in my bed still," Bailey says reading my thoughts and I nod my head.

"How has she been?"

"Honestly once we got her back here she went straight to my bed and didn't say a word. I kept checking on her and within an hour she just feel asleep."

"Good," I comment. "I'm glad she's getting some rest."

"Shawn," she sighs out. "Maybe I shouldn't have called you. I don't know if you should be here. She was very adamant she didn't want me to call you last night."

"Well it's a little late for that now," I snap back and she shoots me a look. "Sorry, I'm just on edge and drove all night long with no sleep," I add apologetically as I run a hand through my hair and try to take a calming breath.

"I get it. I just don't know if you being here is going to end up making her more upset," she says softly.

"I don't know either," I admit and glance towards Bailey's closed bedroom door. "But I'm not going until I at least see her and make sure she's okay. Then if she wants me to go I will leave without any fight," I promise.

Bailey eyes me like she's unsure if she believes I would leave if Lyla told me too, and I'm unsure myself so I don't blame her for doubting me. If it was really what Lyla wanted, I would leave, but it would take all my willpower to not stay to make sure she was going to be okay after last night.

The sound of a door opening interrupts us and we both look over to see Lyla step out into the living room. She squints as the sun hits her face and I can't help but find her adorable as her hair is in a sleepy mess of a bun on the top of her head and her shirt is wrinkled from sleeping in it. Then I remember why she had to sleep in her clothes and my smile disappears. Her eyes finally adjust and I see her look over at me, staring at me blankly as the room falls silent. Bailey slowly slips out of the room and into her bedroom leaving us alone.