“You and what army?”
“Me and the left army that can still move.”
She giggled. “Let’s not break the other arm, okay?”
“Technically, it’s my collarbone. My right arm was just dislocated.”
“Oh. Oh. Yeah. Totally better then, Mr. Internal Bleeding.”
I laughed. “Are we really making jokes out of my injuries?”
She reached up, kissing my jawline. “Do we really have any other reaction to this situation?”
My face fell. “I guess you’re right.”
And as she tucked herself back against me, my eyes fell closed. Sleep began drawing me under. I felt myself succumbing to the darkness. And as my body relaxed, I hoped with all my might Rae would be here when I woke up. I hoped with all my might my father wouldn't give her any other trouble. But if he did, I hoped with all my might Cecilia would find her voice again.
Long enough to put him in his fucking place.
11
Raelynn
Clint’s soft sleeping sounds lulled me into my own sort of trance. I knew Michael and Allison wanted to get back on the road, since they’d been standing in the hallway for well over an hour. But I couldn't relinquish Clint. I kept wrapping myself around him. Clinging to him. Simply thankful to be in his presence again.
I have to go, though.
I sighed as I slowly untangled myself from his body. I reached up, pressing a soft kiss against his bruised cheek. His face looked like a mess. Every time I gazed up into it, there seemed to be a new bruise. Or a spreading bruise. Or another part of his face swelling. It made me sick to my stomach.
Let the boy sleep, Rae.
“I’ll be back soon.”
I whispered the words against the shell of his ear, then slipped off the bed. I peeked out into the hallway, watching as Michael and Allison stared at me. I sighed before nodding my head, signaling to him that I was ready to head out.
Until Clint jerked awake.
“Rae?”
I whipped around. “What is it? I’m right here.”
“Rae? Where are you? Rae!”
I rushed back to his side, lunging myself into his face. I crawled back up onto the bed, straddling him as I blocked off his view of the rest of the room. Michael and Allison rushed in. I pressed my lips against Clint’s, trying to stop his yelling. If he spooked the nurses or one of the doctors, we’d be thrown out.
“Sh-sh-sh-sh-sh. It’s me. I’m right here.”
His lip quivered. “I’m sorry. I—I felt you leave, and—”
I shook my head. “Your father isn’t here. It’s okay. I figured since you’d fallen asleep—”
“Dad?
?s already gone.”
He blurted out the words and I heard the hurt in his voice. I looked back at my two best friends, watching as they flicked their hands out at me. Telling me to stay as they made their leave again. His statement didn’t shock me, but it hurt me. Mostly, because I saw how much it hurt Clint.
“What was that?” I asked.