“He was losing it. He was fighting everyone and hurting himself in the process. I’m pretty sure Lochlan has a black eye and a broken finger… But he knew Hayes would regret putting you through more grief.”
“He’s in the cages with the bears, right now?”
“No. No!” She clarifies. “He’s in a cage on the trailer that they use to transport the bears. Totally safe, though slightly unorthodox.”
“I need to go tell him,” I jump up, and everyone around me stands at the same time.
“No, you need to stay here and rest. You’ve been through enough today, Liv. Seeing Hayes is not a good idea,” Thea warns. “I know you care about him, but your emotions are raw, and you’ve been drinking.”
I slump back in my seat. “I know, but he’s so upset and I never…” I look at my best friend. “I don’t want him to feel like I did when I lost him.”
She looks at me in understanding because she knows how terrible those first few months were after Hayes went to prison. She met the version of me that was in pieces when he told me goodbye.
“Tell me what you’d like me to say, I’ll deliver the message,” Jo offers.
“I need a pen and paper.”
* * *
11.5 years ago…
—
Dear Jensen,
I miss you. I keep hoping to hear from you, but I know you’re probably getting settled in. My college acceptance offers are rolling in, but I think I want to stay here and visit as much as I can. These six years will fly by, I promise.
I read online that you get to make phone calls, so please, call me. I feel like you’re mad at me.
Love,
Liv
—
Dear Jensen,
Please, reach out to me. I miss you. I’m worried sick. If you’re mad at me about Mr. Arkett then I apologize and will apologize over and over. I knew it was wrong, and I never meant for you to find out that way.
I knew you’d be protective of me. You always have been. I’m sorry for everything.
Your best friend,
Liv
—
Dear Jensen,
I’m falling apart without you. I need you. I’m not going to college. I can’t live my life knowing that you’re stuck in there because of me. I’ll wait for you.
I need you. Please, talk to me.
Yours, always,
Olive
—
