Shooting for the goal

The Inviting Color Black

I get home and tell my dad about Hunter.

"He asked me to Winter Formal! How cool is that?!" I'm super excited and can't contain it.

"I thought Jorge was gonna ask you..." my dad trails off and my face pales. The puzzle pieces were clicking together! Jorge was upset because he wanted to take me! How could I be so oblivious? My breath quickens, my head is reeling, I reach out to touch the wall but miss and hit the floor. Black spots take over my vision, my hearing gets fuzzy and my body goes numb.

Ice water is dumped on me, I gasp and sputter, but I keep my eyes shut.

"She's awake!" A voice crows with excitement. I feel arms slide under my body, my entire body feels drained and weak.

"Jorge..." I whisper remembering what happened before my episode.

"I'm right here..." I feel the arms tighten around me. I feel like I'm being lowered. I suck in a breath.

"No," I groan.

"What?" I recognize Jorge's voice, he must be holding me me because I feel the arms stop moving.

"Jorge... please hold me..."

"Can I lay with you and hold you?" he whispers. I nod my head yes.

"Can I have permission to be in your daughter's room?" Jorge says obviously asking my dad.

"Please do. I want her to be monitored, but I have to go to work," I hear him say. Soon I'm in my bed. My body is freezing, I'm shaking, and in cold sweat. I whimper.

"Shhh... it's okay... you're gonna be okay..." Jorge whispers wrapping his arms around my body and stroking my hair.

"Jorge," I croak."I'm right here... shh..."

"Jorge, I'm sorry..." I begin to cry.

"No, no, no... it's okay, Dusty. I'm here and I've got you. Try to sleep," I feel his arms holding me closer to his chest. I put my head on his chest and fall asleep.