Happier With You.

Chapter 13

I turned the key into the car to start it but something wasn't right.

"I cant do this." I mumbled to myself.

Sage needs me, but i need someone else too.

I saw a vision of the car accident replaying in my head as i touched the gas pedal.

This was the first time i drove since the accident.

I closed my eyes. "God i really need you right now, my friend needs me and i just need the strength to do this, please lord give me the strength." I prayed.

"My child, do not fear for i am with you." I heard a voice said.

Chills ran through my body as i started the car.

The engine's hum should've been comforting, but every second behind the wheel felt like walking a tightrope. My knuckles turned white as I gripped the steering wheel, trying to steady my breathing. The memories of the accident lingered just beneath the surface, like ghosts waiting for their moment.

As I turned onto Sage's street, the flashbacks hit me hard. The screech of tires, the sharp jolt of impact, the world spinning around me-all of it replayed in my mind like a twisted movie. My chest tightened, and for a moment, I could almost feel the cold glass pressing against my skin, the smell of burnt rubber filling my nose.

I blinked hard, forcing the memories back, focusing on the road. Sage needs me, I reminded myself. This isn't about me. I can't let fear control me. But my hands were trembling, my heartbeat a wild drumbeat in my ears.

I took a deep breath, counting the seconds until I reached Sage's house. Five minutes, just five more minutes. I can do this.

When I pulled up to Sage's house, an eerie stillness hung in the air. The porch light flickered weakly, casting long, jagged shadows across the yard. I could feel the unease crawling up my spine as I stepped out of the car, the night air heavy with tension.

As I approached the front door, I noticed it was slightly ajar. My heart skipped a beat. From inside, I could hear muffled voices-Sage's voice, strained and pleading, and another voice, slurred and angry. My stomach twisted with dread.

I hesitated, fear battling with the need to help my friend. Then, gathering my courage, I pushed the door open wider.

Sage's father was standing in the living room, his unsteady figure framed by the dim light. His face was flushed, and his eyes were bloodshot, unfocused. An empty bottle dangled from his hand. Sage was on the other side of the room, tears streaking down her face, her whole body trembling.

"Get outta here," He slurred, swaying as he pointed a shaky finger at me. "This is my house! You don't belong here!"

My breath caught in my throat. "I'm just here to take Sage home," I said, trying to keep my voice calm, even though every instinct screamed at me to run.

He took a stumbling step toward me, his expression darkening. "She's not goin' anywhere!" he shouted, his voice cracking. "This is her home! You hear me? Her home!"

I glanced at Sage, who looked back at me with wide, terrified eyes. I had to get her out of here-now.

"Come on, Sage," I said, stepping closer to her, ignoring the man blocking my path. "Let's go."

For a moment, her father looked like he might lunge at me, but then he seemed to lose his balance, nearly tripping over his own feet. In that split second, I grabbed Sage's arm and pulled her toward the door.

"Go, go!" I urged, my heart racing as we darted past him.

We practically ran to the car, my pulse pounding in my ears. Sage's father was shouting something behind us, but his words were slurred, incoherent. I didn't look back-I couldn't. The only thing that mattered was getting Sage out of there.