Save Me

Chapter 29: Blue Mornings & Purple Afternoons

Erika

2 weeks later...

"Is that the last of it?" Lucas asked, picking up my last bag.

I looked around the now empty room. I won't forget the white walls, the old furniture. It's been "home" for the past few weeks so I have to be thankful for that. This place will forever leave a mark on me.

"Erika?" Lucas asked and I snapped out of it. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I-I just..." I stuttered. "I'm just thinking."

Lucas wrapped his arms around my waist from behind and rested his head on my shoulder. He placed a lingering kiss on my cheek and nuzzled his face into my neck, and I smiled.

"I love you," he told me again. I never tire of hearing it.

"I love you, too."

"Is that everything?" Connor asked, sticking his head in the door.

"Just this last bag," I told him. "Let's go home."

Lucas picked up the bag closest to him, peering slightly inside. His eyes widened and he pulled out the white box with the gold ribbon.

The bracelet.

"I had to take it off," I explained. "I didn't think I deserved it anymore. I was going to give it back to you because I thought it might fit another girl better."

He didn't say anything but just undid the ribbon and top, revealing the rose gold bracelet.

"It's something that belongs to you and you, only. You are the only girl that will ever get to wear this bracelet," Lucas told me. "But you don't have to wear it if you don't want to."

"I do," I said, slowly taking the bracelet back and putting it on my wrist. "And I'll never forget it."
______________________________________________

"Kamila gave me something to give to you," Chris said, rifling through his dad's closet. From it, he pulled out a large brown paper bag. "She told me to save it for when you get released."

Kamila left about a week ago. Her family wanted her at home so she went back. She sees a therapist now to manage. They all came up to the hospital, determined to sign her out. They missed her. I told her I would still keep in contact. She was worried why I was still there. I told her I would get out soon enough and sure enough, a few days afterward, Jacob said I was eligible for release.

I opened the brown paper bag and peered inside. I reeled in shock and covering my gaping mouth at the object inside.

"What is it?" Chris asked, curious.

"Where did you get them?" I asked Kamila.

"I don't know. I've had them for forever," She responded. "My mom told me my aunt left them for me when she died. I guess she was kind of a crazy cat lady."

"Of all things, cat candles?" I joked, picking up one of the foot tall candles that resembled cats. One was a light blue and the other was a dark purple.