Page 44 of Play Me

“Let him go, guys.” Dennis had said to them. And they’d hesitated.

“Tell ‘em, Sebastian.” It took a moment, but I’d lowered my hand and nodded.

He’d fallen to the ground, sniveling, hugging his side from the gifts Brad had lain on his body.

“Come on,” Dennis’ hand was warm and firm on my shoulder and he’d led me away.

And now we were here.

Me watching over her and wondering if I was ever going to get over the guilt.

***

“Sebastian?”

A soft voice speaks my name and I lift my head from the side of the bed. Her eyes are opening slowly and she tries to move.

“Hey, you...don’t move. Can I get you something?”

She clears her throat gently, “I’m a little thirsty. Where am I?”

“You’re in my bed.”

“Oh. Well, was it as good for me as it was for you?”

I sigh softly and smile, glad to see some of her spark back. “It’s always good for me, Cadey, even the times it’s so good you can’t remember them.” I get up from the chair by the bed and she makes a soft noise. “What’s wrong?” I turn back to her.

“Um, nothing, just...um...don’t leave,” she says in a small voice, as if embarrassed.

“I’m just going to get you some water...then I’ll be right back. OK?”

“Ok,” she says softly and I squeeze her hand to reassure her.

I grab a bottle of water and a straw from the drinks cart and come back to the bedroom.

Her breathing is soft and steady again, and I guess she’s fallen back asleep. I tiptoe out only to hear her call out to me.

“I’m not asleep, don’t leave, please.”

Her vulnerability breaks my heart. How could anyone do this to her?

“Hey, don’t worry, I’m right here.” I sit back down and hold the bottle for her to take a drink. She takes a small sip and lies back, as if exhausted by the effort.

“Seb?” It’s the first time she’s ever called me by my shortened name.

“Yeah?”

“Can you...can you play something for me?” She asks me shyly.

Oh my god. Yes, sweet angel. “Oh, of course, why?”

“It, um, it just comforts me.”

“Sure, anything in particular?”

“No, you pick. You’ll know what I want better than I do.”

I grab my cello and sit back down. She smiles at me and then closes her eyes, settling down deep into my bed.