Page 58 of Rescued
I hear Austin’s voice, though it sounds like it’s underwater.
“That’s good,” Jasper says. “I want to find out what happened.”
“We all do, man. I—uh… Why did Arlo have kids’ bedrooms set up?”
There’s a long pause in the conversation, and then Jasper sighs. “I’ll let him tell you that.”
I try to force my eyes open, but they won’t budge, and I stop fighting.
“He’sstillasleep.He’swoken up a few times, but never fully.”
I’m awake now. I want to say it, but I can’t make my eyes open. Can’t make the words come out.
“I promise I’ll have him call you as soon as he can talk.”
Who’s he talking to? What’s happening? Wish my fucking eyes would open. This is so fucking annoying.
“I know, Salem.” My heart thumps. “He loves you too. I know he does. Don’t forget to send me a text with things you want for the house. Okay, kiddo. I’ll talk to you later. Call or text me anytime.”
My eyes flutter but don’t open. He’s talking to Salem. I want to talk to Salem too.
Don’t hang up yet. I want to talk to my brother.
I wish the fucking words would come out.
What in the fuck is so fun about this for Mom and Melvin? How could they give up Salem and Nora to be like this? It’s fucking miserable. Even with how good it felt at first, I’d never want to be like this.
Jasper’s not talking now, so he must have hung up.
Even still, I keep trying to open my eyes. I want to talk to my brother.
Instead of getting lighter, they get heavier and heavier, and darkness takes me once again.
Chapter 15
Jasper
Therearefingersinmy hair, which can only mean one thing.
My baby boy is awake. He’s been awake a few times, but never enough to have his fingers in my hair.
I peel my eyes open. Oh.
“I’m sorry,” I blurt out, quickly sitting up.
Arlo blinks sleepy, mismatched eyes at me, then pouts. “No. Come back,” he rasps out, patting his upper thigh where I was just resting my head. “Please.”
With a soft breath, I lean back over, resting my head on him. His fingers sink back into my hair, and I close my eyes, reveling in his touch. He makes small circles on my scalp, his body relaxing under mine the more he touches me.
I relax too.
This whole experience has been terrifying and exhausting and heartbreaking, and something about having Arlo touching me like this just makes everything feel a little better.
There’s something almost… profound about it. I don’t even know if that’s the right way to describe it, but that’s all I’ve got.
I almost lost this man. I almost lost him, but I didn’t. He’s alive, his warm body under mine and his fingers toying with the strands of my hair.
“I love you,” I whisper.
