A Year In Fort Lauderdale

The Dam Breaks

Chapter Fifteen

"We're almost home, hang in there," Jenny assures from the drivers seat of the Jeep.

A reassuring hand finds it's way onto my shoulder and I glance over slowly to see Cas sitting beside me. Her eyes are wet with tears but she gives me a calming smile.

"It's all gonna be okay," she says quietly as she pushes strands of my hair from my face. I know her intention is caring and thoughtful, but nothing in me feels the love; the secure feeling I usually have with them. The sedative really works to not only numb my body, but also numb my thoughts.

My eyes drift back to Cas's, and although I don't really feel sorry, I can't help but know that I would be sorry.

"I'm sorry," I breathe, my voice barely audible to my own ears.

She shakes her head. "You have nothing to be sorry about. Everything's fine; it's all going to be okay."

I barely register that we've made it to the house until the engine is shut off and Jenny begins to get out of the car. As Jenny helps me out of the car, I hear Cas gasp and groggily turn to look at her.

"Asher! What are you doing here?" She questions, staring at him as he crutches down the sidewalk.

His green eyes meet mine, making me feel breathless. I sway slightly and his expression grows worrisome.

"I didn't text you so you'd come over here!" Cas protests.

He stares at her. "What'd you expect me to do? Just sit around after I got a text from you saying that Teegan needed help?"

"You told him I needed help?" I question Cas, though I don't think my eyes are even on her. My eyelids grow heavier by the minute.

"Would you two quit bickering and just get in the house?" Jenny exclaims, sounding the most intense I've ever heard her tone. With that, they snap out of their argument and follow us into the house. Jenny helps me into some pajamas before putting me in my bed. "How are you feeling right now Teegan?"

I try to shrug but can't really feel if I did it or not. "I-I don't know." Over her shoulder I stare at Ethan, who stands at the far side of the room. She turns her head, trying to follow my gaze. "I see him."

When she turns back to look at me there are tears pooling in her eyes. "I know," she says softly as she pushes my hair from my face. She pulls her hands away and I notice that they're wet. I put my hands to my cheeks and realize I've been crying. "Try to get some sleep." She stands from the bed to leave, but then pauses and turns around to look at me. "I love you Teegan."

My eyes grow heavy as she turns off the lights but I force them open as I sit up quickly. "Wait," I mutter quietly. She looks back at me. "What about Asher?"

"I'll send him in."

Involuntarily, I fall back onto my pillows, overwhelmingly tired. The spot to my left sinks a little and I open my eyes a little to see Asher lying next to me. Without thinking, I wrap my arms around him and close my eyes, finally letting sleep overtake me.

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