page86 (2/2)

I thought everyone had left the room, so when I sawmy head to the side

“It’s just ly

I looked at Rose questioningly

“They called your parents when they couldn’t find us,” she said “They got here a couple hours after you were brought into surgery”

Rose lifted a cup of water and swabbed e

“You okay?” I rasped as she turned to put the cup back down

“I’m fine,” she said

I didn’t believe her I ignored my mom as she spoke and reached out to catch Rose’s wrist as she fidgeted with my blankets I needed to look at her, really look at her

I’d never forget thethat I’d sent her out there, defenseless I’d done the right thing—the only thing I could’ve done We hadn’t had any other choice—I knew that But I’d still cursed and yelled and tore at e All of the otten to the bottom of the stairs by the ti down them

“I’ me back to the present “Just tired”

How long had I been in the hospital? What day was it? Had she gotten any rest at all? I knew just looking at her that she hadn’t had a chance to shower yet Her hair was greasy and pulled back in a knot at the back of her head, and I wasn’t sure whose clothes she had on, but they weren’t hers

“I’rab Kara,” my mom said “She’ll want to come back to see you”

“Give us amy throat when I was done Damn, my throat was sore

“Sure, son” She s away

Then, allatto disappear at any moment

“You’re okay?” I asked again I couldn’t quite believe that she was there, that I could feel her sertips

I’d thought she was dead It was the only thing that had kept me on ht he’d killed her

“I’ her hand over et to the clubhouse and tell the boys where you were”

I sers over her wrist and paused when I felt the edge of a bandage