“What are you thinking?” Hunter brushed his lips against my forehead.
I mumbled sleepily, “That there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Than in the comfort of myprincipe’sarms.
He kissed my skin. “Me too, doll.”
I fell asleep with gratefulness ringing in my bones.
The next day, I felt well-rested but still in a bit of pain. The doorbell rang in the afternoon, signalling Anna and Layla’s arrival. I waited for them downstairs in the living room and they entered with weary faces, a bouquet of flowers, balloons, and a get-well-soon basket.
My best friends’ red eyes told me they’d been crying. It undid me. I opened my arms for a hug. “Hi, girls.”
They rushed to me and we clung to each other like we were three pieces of a whole. In a way, that was exactly what we were. Each other’s platonic soulmates. We ended up crying together and all I could do was count my blessings that I made it through yesterday’s horrific events. I couldn’t fathom the possibility of never seeing Anna and Layla again.
“How are you feeling?” Layla asked, sniffling.
I adjusted the throw blanket on my lap. “I’m feeling better today, but I’ll be on painkillers and using antibiotic ointment for the next week.”
“Your mom called us as soon as you were taken.” Anna dabbed under her eyes with a tissue. “We were terrified, Gabby.”
I could sense them wanting to probe more about the situation. They were holding back, afraid that it would trigger me. Sooner or later, they’d have to know. So I ripped the bandage and told them. They listened with undivided attention, their revulsion for what I went through growing by the second.
“This is all horrifying, to say the least.” Anna grabbed my hand when I finished. “You were so strong and brave.”
“We’re proud of you for fighting off that monster, Gabby.” Layla grabbed my other hand. “And so glad you’re going to be okay. Please let us know if you need anything from us.”
“We love you and we’re always here for you,” Anna added.
“I love you both.” I really did have the best sisters. “I’ll be staying at my parents’ home for a bit longer. Maybe we can have a sleepover for old times’ sake?”
They grinned. “Done.”
By day three of being discharged from the hospital, I started to feel more like myself. There was a bounce in my step, my injuries hurt less, and I didn’t have a single nightmare about Tom. The lack of PTSD was another blessing. I was glad the asshole wouldn’t have a hold over me even after his death.
But if there was one person I would think about, even after their death, it was Morgan. I wished she’d never gotten caught in Tom’s web. I wished she could have escaped him.
I wished she could have lived.
We rarely saw eye to eye, but it didn’t change the fact that she had so much potential. She deserved to see it through, not be buried six feet beneath the ground.
My girls had been dropping by periodically to check in on me and to gift me all sorts of care packages stocked with all of my favourite things.
When Hera visited with Ella, Darla, and Dacia, I had to confess to her what really transpired. She was the WIB student association president and she probably realized that Morgan wasn’t replying to any of her texts, let alone any work emails. The girls were shocked, to say the least, when I recounted the tragedy. Naturally, they swore that they’d be taking this to the grave. We couldn’t risk anyone figuring out how Morgan, Tom, and I were connected. Namely since it could jeopardize Papà and the Remingtons.
“We’re so sorry, Gabby,” Ella echoed. “If there’s anything we can do for you, please let us know.”
“Once the semester comes to an end, maybe we can plan a fun girls’ night with Anna and Layla.” Darla exchanged a glance with her sister, Dacia. “We can host at our place.”
“That would be lovely.” I’d need many girls’ nights to recharge after this. I looked pointedly at Hera, who was pensive. “Hera, I’ll be organizing Morgan’s funeral.”
She cleared her throat. “Can I help in any way?”
“Would you be okay sending our team the date and details of her service? I imagine they’d want to be present to pay their respects. And if you know the contacts of any of her friends…”
I barely knew anything about Morgan’s life outside of the student association. If she had friends or not. A pet. Other engagements.
Hera nodded. “Of course. Leave that to me. I’ll create a digital invite and forward it to the proper crowd.”
