Renegade Revival

Chapter 14: This Is What I Need

Taylor's POV

"Hayley?" I tried, seeing her standing in the hallway. She turned to me, holding a knife in her hand as tears fell from her face.

"I'm sorry, York," she rasped as she lifted the knife and pointed it to herself.

"No," I begged. "No!" It was too late as soon as I ran towards her. Hayley had pierced herself with the knife.

I jolted up, finding myself in Hayley's room next to a bare Hayley as she slept. She was okay. I heaved a sigh as I tried to catch my breath from my nightmare.

I lied back down and cuddled closer to Hayley, wrapping my arms around her.

"You alright, York?" she mumbled against my arm. I kissed her shoulder.

"Mmhm," I replied. It was the first time I've ever lied to Hayley. It wouldn't last long. Tears filled my eyes as the memories of both the nightmare and her suicide attempt flooded my mind.

"What is it, babe?" she asked, her voice full of a certain concern that she could hide from everyone but me. I planted more kisses on her shoulder, neck, jaw, and cheek as I fought the tears.

"Just... don't go again," I whispered against her skin. "Don't go again, I need you here."

"Taylor, I'm not going anywhere," she said. "I'm staying here."

"Please stay." Hayley managed to lace her fingers with mine and gave my hand a squeeze.

"I'm not going anywhere, Taylor York," she repeated. I could hear her half smile in her words. "If I'm going, you're going with me because I'll be hella lonely." I managed to chuckle a little.

"We wouldn't want that," I said.

"I promise, Taylor York. No more suicide. I'm not going anywhere."

"I'm not going anywhere, either," I said with a smile, squeezing her hand in return. "I need this more than anything."

"What, a hand to hold? A hug?" she asked with a giggle.

"No," I said. "You."