Free My Soul Keeper by Ker Dukey Page B

sister for the evening so I’m left alone. The usual warm presence isn’t here so I strip off, take a hot shower, and then curl up in my duvet. I toss and turn all night and wake feeling more exhausted than when I fell asleep.
    I rub my weary face and stretch out my body. Slipping into some jeans and a tank top, I pull my hair up into a ponytail and reach for my phone. I send Leah a text.
    Going to hospital, Be at school for lunch x
    My phone chimes with her reply.
    Ok xxx
    When I arrive at the hospital, they have moved Jacob. His mom meets me in the hallway and embraces me.
    “I’m so glad you’re here. He has been asking for you.”
    I look to the withdrawn, tired-looking woman whom I’ve known for years and nod.
    When I enter the room, Jacob’s eyes find mine straight away. He has bruises and cuts on his face.
    “Simone.”
    He sobs as tears fall down his face. I rush over to him and take his hand. “Don’t cry, Jacob.”
    He drops my hand and swipes at his face. “This is so fucked up. My leg’s ruined, Simone. I’ve lost everything.”
    Tears sting my eyes. I feel so awful and guilty; he was rushing to me without looking because of an argument with Lucas about me.
    “I’m so sorry,” I whisper. I place my hand on his face, over a nasty cut on his forehead. I feel the tear hit my cheek. Jacob closes his eyes from the touch of my hand. I want to offer him comfort and take away the horrible cuts and bruises. My eyes close and I feel warmth in my hand. My eyelids flutter open; my hand has a small glow emanating from it.
    I gasp and pull it from his face; terror rips through me. I notice the cut - the deep one on his forehead - has healed.
    I jump back and knock my hip on the side table, causing me a small amount of pain and redirecting my focus.
    “What’s wrong, Simone? God, do I look that bad?”
    “No, sorry, it’s just…”
    I look to my hand and back to his face.
    “Did you get blood on you?” he asks, confused.
    I shake my head and offer a weak smile. “I didn’t sleep much last night. I’m just tired. I’m going to take off.”
    “Please don’t go, Simone,” he pleads.
    “I’ll be back,” I tell him as I bolt for the door and down the corridor. I take the stairs two at a time and rush for the exit.
    I inhale, filling my lungs with much needed air. I’m going crazy, I tell myself. I look at my hand again and see my normal hand that I’ve always had.
    I head straight to the back garden after the drive home. The clear sky immediately brings me peace. My erratic heartbeat slows as I breathe in the sun. My eyes flutter closed, the motion of floating takes over my body, like I’m being summoned by the sky.
    My phone chimes, bringing me back to Earth.
    Where r u?
    I check the time and realise three hours have passed. I jump up and feel more energised than earlier; I must have fallen asleep. I go to my car and drive to school.
    People stop me in the hall to ask me how Jacob is. I tell them he’s awake but that’s all. When I see Liam and Leah, I’m grateful for the hug I receive.
    “I’m heading over to see him now. How is he?” Liam asks.
    “He is awake but his leg is in a bad way.” I don’t need to say any more than that; Liam knows what effect this will have and what rides on Jacob’s recovery.
    “Okay, I’m off.” He kisses Leah on the lips to both of our surprise.
    “What the fuck, Liam?” She shoves him, looking down the hall to see if anyone saw. I shake my head.
    Everyone knows she and Liam have a thing. “Life’s too short, Leah,” he huffs.

    The rest of the week passes. I spend my time at the hospital when I’m not in school and I’ve had no more weird hallucinations of glowing hands. I haven’t touched Jacob since that day, either.
    My mind keeps drifting to Shamar. I miss him, which is a bizarre feeling to have for someone I’ve only had moments with. Granted, they’ve been pretty amazing moments.
    Why hasn’t he asked me out? Or given me his number?