Because of the Accident (Book 1)

Chapter 20

Lia's POV

Before I knew it, he was gone from the driver's seat. A heavy weight settled in my chest as I realized what this meant. I didn't fully understand what was happening to him, but deep down, I felt it—this was the moment when everything shifted. I wanted to be there with him. I wanted to see him. Tears began to flow again, hot and relentless, as I grappled with the crushing uncertainty. What was I thinking? I felt hopeless, lost in a sea of despair. More tears rolled down my cheeks, and in a fit of frustration, I slammed my fist against the dashboard, screaming out my anger at the universe for putting us in this situation.

I turned to look out the window, my heart aching as I caught sight of a couple walking out of the bar. They glanced at me, eyes wide, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion. I knew how I must look—an emotional wreck. Well, they were right. I was crazy—in love with Floyd, and I didn't want to lose him. The thought sent another wave of grief crashing over me, and I swiped at my tears, furious at myself for being so weak.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself. I climbed into the driver's seat, fumbling for the keys with shaking hands. The couple stared a moment longer before moving on, their laughter echoing in my ears, a painful reminder of what I was about to lose. I started the car and pulled out of the parking lot, the cool night air hitting me like a splash of cold water.

I didn't know where I was going. I just drove, the road winding beneath me as I navigated back toward Floyd's house. Each turn felt heavy with significance, the weight of my worry hanging over me like a storm cloud. I parked outside his townhouse and let out a deep sigh, trying not to cry as I turned off the engine. This place, once a sanctuary of laughter and love, felt hollow without him.

With a trembling hand, I reached for his keys and stepped out of the car, my heart racing. The night was eerily quiet, the only sound being the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. As I approached the door, I felt a shiver run down my spine. Unlocking it, I stepped inside, and a wave of emptiness washed over me. It was as if Floyd's absence sucked the magic out of the space, leaving only a stark reminder of what was missing.

"Floyd..." I whispered into the silence, hoping against hope that he would appear. I knew he wasn't there, but a part of me clung to the possibility. I called his name again, louder this time, but all that greeted me was the echo of my own voice. Suddenly, a loud bang startled me, and I spun around, my heart racing.

There, in front of me, stood a woman—just as Floyd had described. She had the most stunning strawberry-blonde hair, cascading down her shoulders like sunlight, and her eyes were a shade of brown that could never compare to mine. She wore a white dress, ethereal and beautiful, glowing softly in the dim light. "Autumn?" I asked, my voice shaky as I wiped my eyes, desperate to make sense of what I was seeing.

She smiled weakly, nodding her head. "I thought you were dead..." I murmured, confusion washing over me.

"I am," she replied softly, her expression turning solemn. "But I had to cut some corners for you to see me."

"Why are you here?" I pressed, my heart pounding in my chest. I needed answers, clarity in this chaos.

Autumn looked at me, sadness etched across her features. She opened her mouth as if to speak but then closed it, hesitating. "Tell me," I urged, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach.

"It's Floyd," she said, her voice breaking slightly. "He's in the forest, but he's fallen out." My breath caught in my throat, and I stared at her, wide-eyed.

"What!" I yelled, my mind racing. Panic surged through me, fueling my desperation. I turned to run out the door, the need to reach him overpowering.

"Wait!" she screamed, her voice echoing in the empty house, making me halt in my tracks. "I need to inform you. He's still alive as of know, but he's making his choice on whether he wants to be alive or not. In this process, he will relive all his memories and gaze into alternating futures of what could be. You can go to him but he may not wake up depending on his choice." Her gaze softened as she stepped closer to me, a faint smile breaking through her sadness.