Disappointment weaves its way in as I’m dropped off a few minutes later and realize his car isn’t here. I don’t know what I expected, but I was hoping he’d at least be home. I hate the way I care so much if he’s with someone else.
Pushing the button to lower the garage door, I walk inside and scoop up Freya when she appears at my feet. Her soft purrs calm me as I bury my face in her warm fur and take her into the bedroom with me.
Setting her on my bed, I quickly change into an oversized t-shirt before washing my face and brushing my teeth. I’m suddenly bone-tired as I toss my throw pillows on the chair in the corner of my room and crawl under the covers.
I stay awake for as long as I can, waiting for the sound of his car to appear before sleep finally takes me under.
It’s been a few months since I dreamt of that night, causing my memories to become a distant haze, so much so that I can almost pretend it never happened.
On nights like this, though, when my dreams become a nightmare, it slams me right back to the night so vividly that I have no choice but to relive it all over again. It’s my own personal hell on repeat as I toss and turn in my sleep, fighting the demons that have sunk their teeth into me.
Savi - Fifteen YearsOld
My head is fuzzy as I wander around the party in search of my friend. I still can’t believe we are here at an actual party! Kylie’s older brother let us stay as long as we promised not to tell their parents that he threw this party while they were out of town.
When my parents said I could spend the night here tonight, I had no clue her parents were out of town or about the party, so technically I didn’t lie to them. My brothers would kill me if they knew I was here, let alone find out I’ve been drinking too.
It’s not my fault that every time I turn around, someone is handing me a red Solo cup filled with a yummy drink that tastes like Kool-Aid.
“There you are. I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” I turn at Todd’s voice, and he reaches out to steady me as my balance becomes skewed. We met earlier, and he’s been super sweet all night. He and his friends are on vacation for spring break and just happened to hear about the party at the beach today.
“I’m looking for Kylie,” I giggle, feeling the effects of the alcohol running through my veins. I take another sip of my drink and try to focus on him through the hazy thoughts in my head.“I haven’t seen her in a while and should probably check on her.”
“I need to get something out of my car real quick, and then I’ll help you find Kylie. Come with?”
“Okay. Then we find Kylie, right?” I ask, feeling a little uneasy as I follow him across the lawn toward the driveway.
“Then we find, Kylie. I promise.”
His car is parked further away and nestled under some trees where the property meets a vacant wooded lot. By the time we finally reach it, both our solo cups are empty as he takes mine from my hand and sets them both on the hood of his car.
“I just got this car last week,” he grins. “You’ve got to see the inside. The backseat is huge.” He opens the door, and I shake off my gut feeling that I should go back to the house as I climb inside.
Sliding into the backseat, he shuts the door, and the world I once knew as light suddenly slams me into the dark.
NINE
KNOX
I don’t knowhow I managed to walk away from her, but I did. Needing time to get myself under control, I tell Miles goodbye before quickly leaving the bar. My usual way of dealing with emotions is just to pick someone up for the night, so I don’t have to think…so I don’t have to feel.
It doesn’t feel right tonight, though. All my thoughts lately keep coming back to her. I don’t know how much longer I can keep telling myself this isn’t a good idea when all I want to do is give her what she wants.
At this point, I don’t know which is more terrifying…agreeing to her little proposition or leaving her to fend on her own with another guy. After tonight, I’m clearly not okay with option two since I wanted to break the guy in half when I saw them together.
I drive around for another two hours, making sure she will be asleep by the time I get home. Walking away twice in one night would use strength I’m not sure I have anymore.
Parking my car next to hers in the garage, I start to head toward the side door leading out to the backyard when I hear a muffled scream. My blood turns to ice as I quickly change directions and run into the main house. Bypassing the kitchen, I open Savi’s bedroom door and see her curled up in a ball, silently crying in her sleep.
Her covers are thrown everywhere as if she were fighting the devil himself, which I know all too well.
“No,” she moans. “Please stop,” she cries, and my heart feels like it’s shattered into a million pieces as I walk over to her.
“Savi…baby, wake up. It’s just a dream,” I say softly, wanting more than anything to take away her pain and hold it for her. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I brush back her damp hair and gently swipe away her tears with my thumb.
Her eyes slowly blink open, and she focuses on me. “Knox?”
“Yeah, sunshine. It’s me,” I smile.
