Free Blast From the Past by Nic Saint

anger in him.”
    “He’s mellowed over the years, I think. I saw him. He’s become… more gentle. Lost the wild.”
    He gazed at her tenderly. “You’re the one for him, honey. He just didn’t see it before. He does now.”
    She raised her eyes to meet his. “He does?”
    “Very much so. He loves you like a man loves a woman. No more a boy.” He gave her a weary smile. “Give him another chance?”
    She shook her head involuntarily. “How can I? He’s the one responsible for—”
    “Like I said. He had his lessons to learn, same as all of us.” He pressed her hand. “He’s ready now.”
    “Ready for what?” She raised her chin mutinously. “If I never see his face again, it will be too soon.”
    “Don’t say that, honey.” He gave her a wistful smile. “It will all have been for naught if you don’t let Brad Fuller back into your heart.”
    The words shook her to the core. She suddenly realized with a shiver that he’d never been out of her thoughts over the years. Never been out of her heart. Not really…
    Daddy laughed. “See? Told you.”
    “But… what about Mom? She’ll never agree.”
    ‘Tell your mother I still love her as much as I ever did, but that it’s time to move on. Even for her. And who knows?” He shrugged. “Perhaps she should open her heart to new opportunities as well.”
    Amy shook her head, her golden curls dangling wildly about her pale face. “No way, Daddy. Mom will never get involved with another man ever again.”
    He gave her a sly smile. “Never say never, honey. It’s one of the lessons I needed to learn. And trust me, I have.”
    Amy let herself drift into her Dad’s arms, reveling in the warmth of his embrace, and when the perfume of musk and deodorant filled her nostrils, she knew she was finally home again, and she let go, releasing all the pent-up rage and resentment. “Daddy,” she murmured. “I love you.”
    When no answer came, she opened her eyes, only to find herself surrounded by a darkness black as pitch—and she was falling into the abyss, too fast to scream.
    She heaved a resigned sigh, and allowed the blackness to swallow her up…

Chapter 17

    Where do we go from here? The words echoed in Amy’s mind as the spinning finally stopped and she became aware of her surroundings once again. Opening her eyes gingerly, she blinked against the harsh light that assaulted her retina.
    “Looks fine,” a voice spoke, and she stupidly found herself gazing into the bearded face of a man dressed in white, shining a light into her eyes. A doctor. He smiled. “I see you’re back with us, Amy. How are you feeling?”
    She blinked a couple of times, wondering the same thing herself. How was she feeling? Confused. Relieved. Sad. Glad. And dozens of emotions jostling beneath the surface, fighting for prevalence.
    “I don’t know,” she finally admitted, and was surprised at the weakness of her own voice.
    “Just take it easy,” the medical man advised. “You’ve been through an awful lot. What you need now more than anything is rest.” He eyed her sternly. “No more parties, all right? And we’re keeping you overnight for observation. Just to make sure you don’t wander off into the dark again.”
    She nodded sheepishly. She’d suffered a good hit to the head, she now remembered. That car… She searched around for a familiar face and when she encountered none, she asked with shaky voice, “Where’s Brad? Wasn’t he with me when I was brought in?”
    “He was,” said the doctor with raised eyebrows, “and I’m sure he’ll be here any minute.” He looked up as someone entered the room. “And there he is. Right on time. Young man,” he addressed the new arrival, “you’re not to engage the patient. She’s been through a serious episode and needs to rest.”
    Brad held up his hands. “I’ll let her rest, doc. In fact I just want to sit by her side and watch her sleep if that’s all right with you.”
    The physician murmured his