Free Awakening by Ashley Suzanne Page B

words.  I shouldn’t have to do this alone.  He made a promise to me and he should honor that.  If I can’t trust his word, how can I trust him?
    “I do love you.  I did figure this out.  You’re place is with Danny, not me.  I can’t be the person you want.  I can’t be the person you need.  Danny’s the guy that will make your dreams come true.  I’m just the guy that will tide you over until you run back to him because I’m not what you need.  Trust me.”  Skylar must be fighting the same feelings I am.  I’m literally watching his face contort, trying not to let the emotions show.
    “Is this really what you want me to do?  You want me to ignore everything we feel for each other and marry Danny?  Do you want to watch me build a life with a man that I don’t love the way I should?”
    “Yes,” Skylar whispers.
    “Fine.  Take me home, please.  I’ve lost my appetite.”  I stand from my seat, taking my ground.  I know why he’s saying this and why he’s pushing me away, but I don’t have to like it.  I certainly don’t have to sit here with him and share a meal like we’re best friends.
    “The apartment or the house?” Skylar asks.
    “The apartment, please.”

 
    CHAPTER NINE
    Danny
    The last few days without Mira have been hell.  Knowing she’s healthy and alive, but not with me stings.  It hurts worse than I could’ve imagined.  Seven weeks without her and then another week in the hospital, just to have her come home with me and run back to Kylee.    She didn’t run back to Kylee, jackass, she ran from you.  And Skylar.
    I can’t talk to Skylar about any of this and that adds to the torture.  For so long, Skylar and I have been able to talk about anything; no matter what.  I know he has feelings for Mira.  I heard him tell her just that in the hospital.  I tried to brush it off, but hearing Skylar and Mira interact when she was leaving, confirmed every fear I ever had; I can’t compete with Skylar. 
    The bond we all had in college is slowly slipping away.  Instead of the accident pulling us all closer, it appears that it’s tearing us apart; Kylee has a new guy in her life and Skylar’s with the club more and more.
     Skylar took off a few hours ago to do something and Mira hasn’t called me wanting to talk.  I know she said she needs time, but how much time do I give her to make up her mind?  I know she’s going to pick Skylar; the girls always choose Skylar. 
    Instead of watching TV in the living room, I take my cell phone and laptop to my room to hang out.  I spend a few minutes checking my Facebook and Twitter, but there’s nothing new to keep me occupied.  I try to watch some videos on YouTube but that only reminds me of college; before the accident. 
    Unable to get Mira out of my head, I pick up my phone to call her.  I unlock the screen and am staring at the most beautiful green eyes I have ever seen.  The wallpaper picture was taken right after I proposed to Mira.  She was lit up like Christmas morning; she was so happy.  You can’t call her, let her come to you.  Give her the time she needs.
    I scroll through my contacts until I find Melissa’s number.  We haven’t talked more than a few times since Mira woke up.  I don’t even know if she will still talk to me, but I need someone to talk to that isn’t wrapped up in this mess.  I send a quick feeler text.
    ME – Hey stranger.
    MELISSA – Hey u!  What’s up?
    ME – Nothin just checkin on u.  Hows ur grandpa?
    MELISSA – They sent him home with hospice.  Won’t be too long now.
    ME – I’m so sry Mel, r u ok?
    MELISSA – It’s been a long time comin. How’s Mira?
    ME – Long story.  Haven’t talked to her in days.
    MELISSA – Anything I can do?
    ME – Ha! Got a few hours and a bottle of tequila?
    MELISSA – Ur by campus right? 
    ME – Yea, y?
    MELISSA – Send me ur address.  B there in 20.
    I send Melissa my address before I realize what I’ve done.  Mira