You Saved Me Once Book 1 novel Chapter 7

“A week-long of exams, and this is what I get to come home to.” Adam says.

Adam is trying to stay calm.

His sarcasm almost makes up for this fucked up situation. I knew his sarcasm was to hide that he was fucking pissed. He’s hurt, I can tell.

“You said you watched him all day, and it took that long? If you even cared about them, why-why didn’t you go over there? Better yet, call Ms. Kristen, before it escalated?” He asks.

“Come on Alex, you’ve known him almost your whole life, and you couldn’t recognize him?” Adam asks. I scrunch my hair.

I can recognize Hayes anywhere, but I didn’t see Hayes. I didn’t know who was hurting Ms. Kristen, she’s been hurt before. That’s why I called the cops.

I want to say this aloud, but I stay silent. I’m quiet, in fear I’ll say something, I’d regret. Instead, I pick at my wet hair, breathing through the minimal, cold air.

“What’s going to happen to him?” My voice is low, it hurts now.

“They’re probably going to hold him overnight since his mom will be too fucking drunk, to do anything.” I can hear the sadness in Adam’s voice.

“I’ll go next door and talk to her.” I say.

“Don’t Alex! Just, don’t!” He shouts.

I get chills from his voice. I didn’t want him to be mad at me, yet I’d rather hear him scowl me. I’d prefer this, over silence, but that’s exactly what I get. Silence.

Adam heads up to his room, I hear him drag his feet up the stairs. Then there’s silence, too much silence.

I try to comfort myself, but it’s not working. I could feel the harsh butterflies in my stomach, the burning in my throat. I’m about to break down.

I needed a distraction. I needed to numb this pit. The memories, the dark secrets are about to flood my mind.

There’s an old text from Jake, he reminds me to pick him up. I didn’t want to do anything else wrong today, I know that’s impossible.

I go to my car, drenching myself again. This time, the rain was heavy enough for me to get lost in it. I wanted to lose myself in this storm, forever.

I start the car, and it turns off seconds later. The battery blew.

I yell, stomping my feet. Every part of me is drenched, everything feels gross. Yet, I don’t move. I’m too sad to move. I sink into my seat and close my eyes. I take my keys and scribble on my pants. I’ll do this until the tears fall. The tears fall.

Everything was coming back. The unwanted memories. Memories of the Richards. Memories of The Bartley’s. Memories of Hayes. The secrets, the dark secrets, and everything. I can’t stop them.