Page 60 of Dark Notes, Volume Two

JETT

I watch the nurse with a scowl as she gives Mia water.

“Sip slowly.” She says, holding the pink cup for her.

The blonde woman sets the cup on the metal table beside Mia’s bed and flashes me a regretful look before quickly glancing away.

“My apologies. She can have more water when she needs it. If you need me to get more, let me know.”

I nod and she scurries away. There’s a pitcher of water now, so I’m happy for the moment.

“Is that better, Angel?”

“Yes,” she still speaks low but at least she can speak.

Sitting back down, I gently take her hand.

“I’m dying to touch you, but tell me if it hurts and I won’t.”

A frown crosses her lips as her eyes narrow and I instantly retract my hand.

“I like… you… touching me, Jett.” She croaks, her voice raspy and broken.

She swallows with visible difficulty a few times before speaking again.“Did I kill the truck driver?”

So she does remember the accident. I really was not sure she would and didn’t want to bring it up in case it upset her.

“The driver is fine, Angel. He called 9-1-1 and probably saved your life.” Stroking my thumb over hers, I reassure her.

A tear rolls down her cheek, and she blows out a long sigh of relief. I wish I had known she was worried about this. I would’ve told her immediately.

“Do you remember everything, baby? I am curious how you ended up in front of oncoming traffic.”

She darts out her tongue and licks her lips before swallowing hard.

“I told you about my step-father. As you know he’s in prison.” She pauses,leaning her head back in what I can see is frustration with her throat. “I’ve changed my number more times than I can cou-”

Her voice breaks and I get up to get her water. Holding it for her, I place the straw between her lips and she takes a few sips. After I put the cup back on the table, Mia continues.

“Count. I’m an idiot and thought the incoming call must be you. I should’ve known it wasn’t since you can’t use the phone there at all times. Oh my God, Jett.” Her eyes widen in horror as she gasps in realization.

“Why aren’t you in rehab?” Her voice, a whispered panic.

I shake my head and let out an annoyed sigh.

“After. I’ll explain everything to you after you finish telling me what happened.”

Mia swallows again and says, “I answered the call and all I heard was, ‘you have a collect call from Baltimore Detention Center.’ I freaked out. I can’t even tell you how much he scares me. I’m not even sure how it happened, but I remember being in front of a truck racing toward me and being smashed into a guard rail. I saw a bright light like they talk about. I thought my life was over.” She motions her hand at me to give her more water. After a couple sips she continues.

“Now,” she demands, changing the subject, “why the hell are you here, Jett?”

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, bracing myself for a fight I don’t want to have.

“Angel, listen to me.”

Her eyes narrow and she says, “I’m listening.”

I hold her hand tight so she can’t pull it away, but not so much that I’ll hurt her, and blow out another calming breath.