I remember the day I got it, I was so damn proud of myself. It was such a big fucking deal. To everyone else, it was just a car, but to me, it was my first step towards freedom. It wasn’t long until some fucker ran a red light, took out the car, and almost fucking killed Tully in the process.
I’ve never forgotten that moment. It was my turning point. I had always said that she was better off without me and seeing her fighting for life was when I realized that I had to get out. She needed better. They all did. I was only going to bring them down into my darkness and the only way to escape it was for me to disappear.
With a sigh, I begin looking over the Firebird and working out what the hell I’m going to need to make this thing look brand fucking new. It’s not going to be a small job and it’s not going to be cheap, but I’ve got nothing but time. Though I should really look into getting a car to drive in the meantime, otherwise there will be a lot of taxis and walking in my future, and how am I supposed to get my girl back like that?
I get the hood open and look over the engine, but my mind keeps taking me back to her. Noah and Henley are gone and I know they were with her just last night, but what if she needs something? Has anyone checked in on her today?
She’s probably having a shit time and who knows what happened with Spencer. Though, if anything, he’s got her wrapped around his litter finger and is with her right now.
Before I realize what’s happening, my phone is in my hand and I find myself hashing out a text, not knowing how this is going to go.
Rivers – Dude, where’s your sister’s place?
Noah – Fuck no!
I grin to myself. I should have known it wasn’t going to be that easy, but if he’s using his phone, he’s not on the plane yet which means I still have time to twist his arm.
Rivers – You and Henley are gone for three weeks. Spencer fucked off during the wedding so who knows where he is now. What if she needs something or there’s an emergency?
Noah – If there’s an emergency, she can call mom and dad.
Rivers – That’s bullshit and you know it. That girl doesn’t rely on anyone.
Noah – She’s not the same girl you used to know.
Rivers – Come on, man. I just need to go and check on her.
There’s a short pause and I wonder if he’s going to reply at all or if maybe their flight has been called, but a moment later, my phone lights up and I find myself scrambling to open the text.
Noah – She’s in that apartment complex down behind the new mall. Apartment 308. If you so much as make her shed one fucking tear, I’ll end you. Got it? She’s fragile now. You can’t come at her like you used to. She won’t be able to handle it.
My heart shatters. Just from looking at her and listening to the way she speaks makes it clear that she’s not the same girl I once knew but having Noah confirm it is a whole new thing.
He’s even more protective of her than he used to be. At the wedding, he was chill, but something tells me that was a front so he didn’t ruin things for Henley, but now the wedding’s over and the real Noah has come out to play.
It probably kills him that he’s not here to warn me face to face. Either way, I hear him loud and clear. I’m not here to hurt her. I’m here to earn her forgiveness and give her everything she ever wanted.
I want to make her happy and I’ll do whatever it takes to prove it to her.
Rivers – I got it. I just want to check on her and make sure she’s doing ok. If she tells me to fuck off, I’ll fuck off, but just know, I’m not going anywhere. I’m not going to hurt her.
Noah – You’re not that fucked up kid you used to be, are you?
Rivers – Nope. I’ve put all that shit behind me.
Noah – You’re going to try and win back your girl, aren’t you?
Rivers – Only if that’s what she wants. I told you, if she tells me to fuck off, I’ll go.
Noah – Shit.
Noah – You’re going to have a hard time getting her to admit anything. She’s a closed book now.
Rivers – She’s a closed book to you maybe. Took me three seconds to work her out. She’s not happy with Spencer, she’s terrified of getting hurt, and she still fucking loves me. Besides, I have a lifetime of getting her to admit to shit that she’d prefer to keep hidden. Trust me, I’ve got this.