By the time I make it to the living room, I stare at an empty space.
“I didn’t do it on purpose,” I shout, unsure if he’s still in the house.
The sound of a slammed door bounces against the walls. And soon after, the noise of a car engine drifting away rings in my ears.
I slip into a pair of boots and storm out the door.
I jog down the stairs, barely avoiding a fall, and dart in front of the SUV. He slams the brakes, narrowly avoiding me.
The headlights blind me.
Snow comes down steadily, gusts of arctic wind slicing through my thin top. I curl my hands into fists and slam the hood with all my power.
“Stop the fucking car!”
The engine keeps running.
Shielding my eyes against the lights, I shout.
“I didn’t lie to you, Jaden... I couldn’t tell you because I couldn’t even admit it to myself... You’re the first and only person who knows the whole truth.”
My voice starts breaking, and tears fall down my cheeks.
The engine dies out.
The car door cracks open.
“That’s why I didn’t tell you.”
My hands slide onto the hood as I bend over the metal, crushed.
“Yes, I wanted you to fall for me... I did. Because I fell for you. I wouldn’t fool you into loving me,” I say, sobbing.
Slowly, I slide off the car and into the snow-covered ground, my body numb with pain and deadly cold.
13
JADEN
I wrapmy arms around her and lift her up.
Her hands fall lifeless on my chest as I rush up the stairs, kick the door open, and make a beeline for the bathroom.
Icicles sparkle in her hair.
“I’m so sorry,” she mumbles as I put her down.
I peel my jacket off and start undressing her. Shivers run through her, her lips turning quickly blue.
I peel the cold, wet top off and unbuckle her belt. She curls her hands around my shoulders and leans on me as I pull off her jeans. Her skin is pale and blue, her nipples puckered, and her skin is covered with goosebumps. I nudge her to the tub and help her immerse in hot water.
A hint of color kisses her face.
“Is it better?”
Her eyes gain clarity, her face relaxing.
“Yes, it is,” she says softly.