Page 63 (1/2)

Once she awoke, she would throwat ive s I said I was upset and confused I’ht You have to co over and leading the way for the first time in my life

I continued with heavy sobs "Please, Cassandra Wake up, sweetheart I’ll do anything I need you You’re all I’ve ever needed All I’ve ever wanted"

I pulled away and stroked , and for the first time in my life, I kneould never want anyone else

I caved and placed a small kiss on her forehead My lips needed to feel her just once entle innext to her ear

The words surprisedin love with her, but it was foreign on ht I loved Natasha, but it held nothing to what I felt Cassandra There was a bond, soht to my soul that I’d never felt with anyone before

This was love Unconditional, all-consuht of the future terrified ht against her feelings or how angry she hen she woke, I’d never give up on us

I relaxed my head next to hers; our hands intertwined and closed my eyes She would wake up, I repeated, finally peaceful beside her, I allowed sleep to claian--

Wide Awake

I woke to the feeling of so awake re where I was A part of me had hoped it had all been a bad drea up in ily, her eyes still closed but lids fluttering She was coht, I’m here"

Cassandra’s eyes slowly flickered open My entire body flooded with relief

"Cassandra" I sighed Without releasing her hand, an?" Cassandra murmured Her voice was low, and shaky

"Shh, don’t talk, sweetheart The nurse will be here any second" I sht-clear eyes and hear her beautiful, sweet voice

Cassandra looked confused as her gaze shifted from me to her room and finally landed down on her own body I watched painfully, as her eyes greider, color draining from her face She tried to sit up but winced when she could barely move

A loud yelp slipped out of her throat as she stared up at the ceiling, tears springing fro to soothe her

"Relax, sweetheart Everything is going to be all right Try to stay still"

Her head tipped toward an?" she murmured

I smiled wider and nodded once "Yes, I’, but she just continued to stare at nizepause

"Why?" I repeated, not understanding

"Why are you here?" Her voice was so low I could barely hear her, but the hurt behind it cut through me

I stuttered unsure where to start, how to explain just how sorry I was