I roar her name as I spill into the condom. Pressing my sweaty forehead to her shoulder, I try to catch my breath. She turns to look back at me and smiles.
“We’re going to need to head into my room for more condoms,” I laugh.
“I’m going to need a minute to feel my legs.”
“You and me both. I love you, baby,” I say and peck her lips.
CHAPTER 22
Torn
Bentley
“Come on, baby,”I murmur as I sit in my seat in the bleachers watching my girl run.
She’s behind at the moment, but I know that’s not for long. I scoot to the edge of my seat, holding my breath. I want to be down there running with her to cheer her on.
I bite my fist as she gives it some gas and begins to move forward faster. Suddenly, she floats by everyone else and sails forward as if she’s the only one out there. I get to my feet as my heart races.
“Come on, Zah, finish them,” I bellow. “You’ve got this, baby. Come on.”
“Yes, Zah, yes,” Erica cheers as she stands beside me.
Robin is standing on the other side of Erica with wide eyes as she clutches her hands over her mouth. She’s become like a little tagalong the last two semesters. She’s grown on me. The crowdbegins to roar like thunder as Zah takes the race, crossing the finish line.
“Yeah, baby. That’s what the fuck I’m talking about. That’s my girl,” I roar as I fist pump.
Suddenly, the air is sucked out of the building. Zah drops to the ground, screaming as she holds her left knee. Before I know what I’m doing, I race down to where she’s lying in tears.
I drop to my ass and pull her into my arms as I hold her between my legs. She looks up at me with tears swimming in her eyes. I don’t know what to do, so I cup her forehead and hold her against my chest as I rock her soothingly.
“I’m here, baby. I’ve got you. Help is coming. It’s okay, it’s going to be okay. I’m right here.”
“I think it’s over,” she sobs.
“Shh, don’t do that. We don’t know anything yet. Let them take care of you, baby. It’s going to be okay.”
I want to promise her it will all be all right, but I have this bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. All I can do is hold her and try to give her my strength. I’ll be right here for her.
Zahirah
I have a torn ACL.Everything before the end of that race is now a blur to me. I wish I could start this day over. It’s over, I don’t think I will run the same again.
The doctor was positive and said I could make a full recovery, but I just have this feeling like running track has come to an endfor me. I’m numb and don’t want to think about what this all means. The reality that I may have won my last race today is a bitter pill I’m not ready to swallow.
“Can I get you anything?” Bentley murmurs as he holds me in his arms.
He’s been the only thing holding me together all day. We’ve been in his apartment since I was released to go home. I couldn’t be more grateful for him having his own place right now.
“No, I’m fine. I don’t want you to move.”
He tightens his arms around me and kisses the top of my head. I close my eyes and bask in his strength. It’s all I can do not to fall completely apart.
“You have to think positive. You’re going to come back from this.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do because you’re the strongest person I know. If you put your mind to it, you can make it happen.”
