going to make them pay. By whatever means necessary. I look away from her, not wanting her to the read the truth in my eyes.
“And you want to know what else I think? I don’t believe you lost control. I think you drove off that cliff. I think you’d just had your heart broken, and this was the only way out for you. And because he was there, you took it out on him, too.”
I grit my teeth, fighting back a fresh wave of tears.
“You had a ruptured spleen. Severe blood loss from the wound in your abdomen, plenty of broken bones, and a concussion.” She jerks his chin toward my battered and casted body on the bed, and I glance away. “The doctor placed you in a medically induced coma for a week. The paramedics found you in the dirt, bleeding out. Any later and your chances of living would’ve been slim. You arrived at our facility a few days ago, and you’ve been in and out of sleep, which is to be expected after what happened. And listen, you were banged around, pitched at a tremendous velocity, and then jolted to a stop. Your body isn’t going to be kind to you during this healing process. It’s going to be painful and slow. A traumatic brain injury is also something we need to worry about. It’s invisible to most of our measuring tools, so I can’t tell you with any certainty that you’ll one day wake up as good as new, but we can make the best of it. We can try.
“And I know you believe your sister saved you, and as hard as it is to believe in your condition you could get out of that car, I think either Vincent dragged you out, or you did it yourself. Whatever it was, it’s a miracle you’re alive, and maybe this is a second chance for you. You can turn your life around, Mackenzie.”
I avoid looking at her, and I bite my tongue. There are so many things I want to say. I want to refute her. I want to yell and tell her she’s wrong about all of it, but I don’t do any of those things. I just sit and listen.
“Now, let’s talk about what’s happening. Vincent Hawthorne has accused you of attempted murder and stalking. Law enforcement is also looking into a break-in at one of his friend’s homes in the Hidden Hills. They’re checking for fingerprints, anything that can lead back to you, and with everything else, if it somehow is linked back to you, it might be in your best interest to stay here.” I gnash my teeth together. My good hand fists into the sheets. “I know you’re angry. And I know this is the last place you want to be right now, but I do believe it’s in your best interest to stay here. Your parents have signed papers, stating you’re a mental health crisis. Do you understand what that means?”
I purse my lips, still refusing to look at her.
“It means that even though you are an adult, you are placed under their care until the state deems you healthy enough to be on your own and in your own right mind. When we start to see some progress, we can discuss potential release dates, but as of right now? I think you need help, Mackenzie. There’s nothing wrong with getting help. After everything you’ve been through in your life, your time here can do you wonders.”
A hot tear slides down my cheek, and I swipe at it angrily. I still haven’t said a word. Because what can I say? They think I’m crazy. End of story. They think I’m lying. That I tried to hurt him, and once again, the Savages are going to get away with it all.
She blows out a sigh at my silence and stands, taking her notebook with her. “I’ll give you some time to process. A nurse will be in soon with some food and another doctor will be in shortly to assess your pain levels.”
I ignore her, and the second the door shuts behind her and her cronies, I crumple. Dropping my head back, I let the tears fall in torrents. They roll down my temples, disappearing into my ratty hair. Silent sobs wrack my body, sending pain down my spine, but I welcome it. Because chances are, these four walls will be my home for God knows how long.
I’d like to say I