UNEDITED
Calla Henrik's family runs the best ATV business in town, and she's ready to take over the family business for the summer while her parents go on a much-needed vacation. She's ready to earn some money before she attends the University of A...
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Vance
It's late into the night before Calla and I are persuaded to leave Maddox. Logically, our families are correct when they say nothing's going to change if we leave. But ever since Calla and I entered the ICU, we haven't left Maddox's side or let go of each other's hand. I think it makes us feel strong and united. At least, that's how her hand makes me feel. After everything that's happened today, I'm on the verge of crumbling. Calla is acting as my anchor. Which I find ironic, considering her voice cracking with my name on her tongue continues to haunt me.
It echoes in the back of my skull, reminding me of Uncle Roman's intentions.
If Demetri hadn't shot him dead, it would've been my body on the floor in a pool of blood. Not his.
"He's going to be safe," Dr. Gray assures us. "A medically induced coma is different from a coma that's caused by trauma. As soon as we cut off the drug supply, he'll wake up."
Calla scoffs. I look away from Maddox. More colour has returned to his cheeks, but the situation seems false. He's still dependent on the tube and the strips of medical tape holding it in place. I snort. Safe? When has Maddox ever been safe? When has he ever been able to walk without glancing over his shoulder? He wouldn't know safety if it bit him in the ass. Ever since Hollie left, he's been abused by his father. It pisses me off, why no one seems to understand the complexity of this issue. They expect me to leave Maddox behind in such a vulnerable position?
Then I remember Roman's dead.
The same bullet that pierced his heart nicked me in the shoulder, taking out a good chunk of skin that needed to be repaired. I'll have some nerve damage, but it's nothing compared to the road ahead for Maddox.
Cold sweat breaks out across my brow. I can still feel Uncle Roman's grip around my neck, cutting off my source of oxygen. My grip tightens around Calla's hand. Her gaze flicks to me, a worried look on her face. I ignore her. My breakdown will come when I'm alone. No one, aside from Calla, Maddox, and Hollie, can understand what happened today. What's been happening for the past ten years. Not even my mother.
"Maybe..." Calla trails off, her gaze focused again on Maddox. "Maybe we should go home, Vance. Maddox will be okay here. I could use a shower and some sleep. Tomorrow morning, I can pick you up. We'll stay with Maddox all day."
I sigh.
Calla's correct.
"I'll join, too," Laurel says. Her pitiful gaze is focused on my shoulder, but I appreciate her efforts. She's trying to be supportive. Now I understand why Calla has kept her around. Although they don't see the world the same, their relationship is dynamic. They love each other like sisters.
It reminds me of the love Hollie had for Maddox when we were kids. Irrevocable.
I've come to the conclusion persuasion is a bastard. A scalding shower sounds perfect, as does a warm bed and sleep. But my own self-care isn't the driving force behind the persuasion. Hollie's lack of presence is the force. She should be here. She should be made aware of what's happened to her son.
