Free Chasing Castles (Finding Focus #2) by Jiffy Kate Page A

steps, not ready to give up this alone time with Deacon and knowing there’re things we still need to say.
    “You told me you couldn’t make me any promises,” I reminded him.
    “Cami, I—” he starts, but I cut him off, because if he’s getting ready to say that we shouldn’t have done what we did, it’ll kill me. So, I put my hand gently over his mouth and force him to hear me out.
    “And I told you I wanted to do it anyway. I still don’t have any regrets.”
    I look up at him, letting my hand slip from his mouth, and silently plead with him to not say that he does. I want to go on believing that he wanted that as much as I did and that he doesn’t regret it either.
    “I know we’re at two different places in our lives,” I continue. “And I’m okay with just being your best friend. My only fear was losing you completely, but if you can promise that won’t happen, I’ll be okay.”
    “That will never happen. I’ll always be your best friend. I might not be around as much, but if you need me, I’ll be here for you.” He gives me a slow, small smile as his eyes fall to the ground. “I wish I could promise you more, but it wouldn’t be fair. You should be livin’ it up and enjoyin’ your last couple years of high school, not waitin’ around for me.”
    I nod, swallowing down the pain and regret. Not regret for loving Deacon, just regret that we can’t be together like I want us to be. I want it so bad. No one has ever had to tell me life isn’t fair. I’ve known that my whole life. My mom died when I was six; I know life isn’t fair. But right now, it sucks. And instead of crying and stomping my foot and demanding more, I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from crying and offer Deacon the most sincere smile I can muster.
    “I feel the same,” I croak out. “You’re in college. It’s supposed to be the best years of your life, right?” I smile up at him. “You shouldn’t be worryin’ about me.”
    “I’ll always worry about you, Cami.” His arms wrap protectively around my shoulders and my head nestles right under his chin. We fit perfectly together.
    Three words are right on the tip of my tongue, but I know if I say them now, it’ll only make this harder. So, I swallow them down along with my tears and wrap my arms around his waist, wishing I could anchor him here forever.
    Wishing our lives didn’t have to change.
    Wishing we could grow up, but still be the same Cami and Deacon.
    But that’s not how life works.
    People change.
    They grow up.
    They move on.
    And I still wouldn’t change a single thing.
    Even though my heart is currently breaking into tiny pieces.
    All of those pieces will always belong to Deacon Landry.

Camille
    Present
    AS SAM PULLS INTO A spot near the emergency room entrance, my hand is on the handle, ready to jump out when he puts the truck in park.
    I run to the back doors, still praying the whole way that when they bring Deacon out of the ambulance he’ll be awake. It doesn’t take long before the doors open, and I stand back to give them plenty of room.
    One guy jumps out, and it’s then that I finally get a glimpse of Deacon. His dark hair is a mess and partially matted down to his forehead. An oxygen mask is covering his beautiful face. And his eyes are still closed.
    “Deacon?” I call out, thinking that maybe if he hears me, he’ll open them.
    “Let’s go inside, Cam.” Sam once again takes my shoulders and leads me away, when all I want to do is go to him. But like when we were still at the restaurant, there are three people surrounding him, making it difficult to be anywhere near him.
    “Deacon,” I say again, but this time, it’s more of a demand. He has to open his eyes. He has to be okay.
    They take him through the double doors, and people in scrubs and white coats start barking out and taking orders. The entire area is buzzing with activity, and we’re told to go to the family waiting area and that a doctor will be out to speak