Unraveling (Second Chances) - By Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,47
up and then I heard the man’s steps as he left the room. The door closed behind him.
“You should go home,” I told Jared. As much as I wanted him to be here with me, I knew it wasn’t right for him to stay.
“I’m not going anywhere, kittycat. Don’t start, please,” his eyes darkened, daring me to kick him out.
“What about Karlie? She has school-”
“Shhhh, Katy. Don’t worry about that. Karlie’s shaken and I’m not letting her go in. I called Holden to pick her up and stay at my house with her. She’ll be fine,” he crooned.
“Can I see her? Before she leaves?” I asked. I needed to see with my own eyes that she was fine.
“Sure,” he released my hands. “Holden shouldn’t be here, yet, he said he’d text me when he got here. I’ll be right back.”
As the door closed automatically behind him, I suddenly felt very small and very alone. Part of me was afraid that he would never come back. I knew it was an irrational fear, but I was the kind of person that believed some things were too good to be true and I was convinced Jared was one of those things. In my mind, he was perfect, but deep down I knew that wasn’t the case, especially with as many times as he had alluded to his past. I know that no one is perfect, but Jared… he comes pretty darn close.
The door opened and a tear stained Karlie entered the room.
“Katy,” her voice cracked. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, sweetheart,” I said, wanting to comfort the girl that was hardly younger than me.
She let out a sob and came to stand beside me. “The- the car slammed into your side and there was nothing I could do. You were bleeding and- and- I thought you were dead,” she dissolved into tears. “I called 911 and everything happened to fast. I completely forgot to call Jared, until my phone started ringing non-stop and I saw that it was him. I was so scared, Katy.”
Jared pulled her into his arms and she gripped his shirt tightly in her fingers.
Her cries echoed through the small room.
Jared’s phone buzzed and he removed it from his pocket. “Holden’s on his way up.”
Karlie pulled away with a look of disgust. “Holden? You called Holden? Why didn’t you call mom and dad?” she questioned.
Jared sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “It’s late, Karls, I didn’t want them to worry. You’re safe, that’s what matters, but I knew they’d get upset.”
“I guess you’re right,” Karlie huffed. “I just wish you hadn’t called Holden. I’d rather someone else take me home… or even a taxi.”
“Well, a taxi driver isn’t going to stay at my house and babysit you,” Jared explained to her.
“What?” Karlie’s jaw dropped open. “Babysit me? You mean the prick isn’t dropping me off, he’s staying?”
“Watch your mouth, Karlie,” Jared growled. “Holden will just watch TV and you can go about your business.”
“But he’s so annoying,” she whined.
“This isn’t open for discussion, Karlie. I’m staying with Katy and Holden will stay with you until I get home tomorrow.”
“I understand,” Karlie sighed.
“Good,” Jared crossed his arms over his chest.
“Maybe, you should go home, Jared,” I croaked.
“Don’t start, Katy, I mean it. I’m staying here, with you. Karlie is just acting like a brat,” he smiled; lessening the blow those words might have had on his sister.
His phone buzzed again and Jared typed out something.
A minute later there was a small knock on the door and Holden opened the door.
“Hey,” he said to Jared. He gave me a small smile.
“Thanks for coming,” Jared said.
“You smell like cigarettes,” Karlie told Holden.
Holden’s blue eyes swiveled to survey her. He seemed relieved to find her in one piece.
“It’s nice to see you too, kiddo.”
Karlie rolled her eyes at him and then came over to me.
“I’m so happy you’re okay, Katy,” her lower lip started to tremble again. “I’ll see you soon, right?”
“Of course,” I said, my voice beyond hoarse.
She tried to smile at me, but failed. She hugged Jared and then brushed out the door.
“Keep an eye on her,” Jared warned Holden.
“You know I will,” Holden clapped Jared on the shoulder and followed Karlie out.
Jared came back to my side and sat down. “Do you need anything?” he asked. “Water? Ginger Ale? Medicine? Food?”
“Ice water would be heavenly,” I said.
“You got it,” his fingers brushed mine as he stood.
He returned with a white Styrofoam cup and a bendy straw.