Tori’s nails. The marks aren’t deep, but they’re raised and angry. I lean in to inspect my jaw. It’s not turning purple, thankfully, but I can’t touch it without my eyes watering.
A dark bruise is already deep purple on my stomach, right below my sternum. I guess I should feel lucky he missed my ribs; he definitely would’ve broken something. There’s a twin bruise on the left side, carrying over to my back. I’m pretty sure I’ll be peeing blood.
My forearm has stopped bleeding, but the slice is long, running from my wrist to my elbow. She would have cut me to the bone if I hadn’t backed away. I stare at the red streak, my chin trembling.
Turning away, I step into the shower and adjust the water until it’s as hot as I can stand it. My body needs ice—an ice bath would be ideal. But I need to feel the heat right now. I can’t seem to stop shivering.
They were supposed to be my best friends. And now … I’m questioning if it was ever real.
I trusted them … with my life.
That thought buckles my knees, and I grab on to the edges of the tub to keep from falling. I sit down and hug my legs to my chest, letting the water spill over me. With my face pressed to my thighs, I release the tears. And the sobs follow, loud and ugly, until I’m howling with grief. My back quakes with each inhale. I grip my arms tighter, pressing my legs against my chest.
They were my family. I relied on them to be there for me. But … they didn’t choose me.
Today. Really. Fuckin’. Sucked.
When I finally turn off the water, my skin is pruned, and my throat is raw and scratchy. My muscles scream in protest, refusing to hold me up. I have to hold on to the wall while I dress to keep from collapsing. I carefully bandage the cut with ointment and gauze.
When I exit the bathroom, I find all three Harrison brothers sitting on the bed, waiting for me.
I took everything away from you. Your life. Your love. Your dignity.
What are you doing here?” I mean to ask them all, but I’m staring at Lance.
“I heard about your mom,” Lance answers. “I wanted to make sure you’re okay, so I borrowed Lily’s car and drove down.”
I close my eyes to hide the sting of tears that erupt behind my lids. Maybe it’s because I’m overtired and physically beat up. Or it’s because I just spent an eternity in the shower, questioning every relationship in my life, and I come out here to find them. And the truth is, Joey and Parker have been there for me all day, without complaint, no matter how ungrateful I’ve been in return. And now …
“Hey, it’s okay,” Joey soothes.
I feel his arm wrap around my waist, and I roll into him. I didn’t think I could cry any more than I already have, but my tears are apparently endless. And this onslaught of emotions has hijacked my body. I don’t make a sound as I hide my face in his chest, his arms embracing me with such gentleness; it’s like I’m made of glass and could shatter under too much pressure.
“Why don’t you lie down? It’s been a really messed up day. We can call the hospital and let your mother know you’ll be there later.”
Sleep sounds amazing. And I want nothing more than to close my eyes and put this entire morning behind me. It’s barely after noon, and today has surpassed the worst day of my life in only a few hours. I still have an entire afternoon and night to get through. Maybe I can avoid whatever disasters are ahead if I’m not conscious. My chaos can’t find me there.
I blot my face with the cuff of my sweatshirt and ease away. Joey releases me but stays close.
I face Parker. “Do you know if she’s okay?”
Parker looks solemn—or maybe guilty. He shakes his head. “My calls go straight to voice mail. Even on Tori’s phone.”
I can’t stand any longer and walk to the bed. Bending to sit makes the bruises protest. My face does a lousy job at hiding the discomfort. I can see it reflected in all of their expressions.
“Let me see,” Parker requests. “We need to know how bad it is.”
I let out a breath, trying to decide if it’ll make a difference. I’m not going to the hospital to get