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Oh, god! It’s not a dream. Panicked, I survey what’s left of the helicopter or at least what I can see from where I’m sitting. The pilot is slouched forward in his seat, but I don’t have to ask if he’s alive or not. Not with the tree branch poking through his chest.
Gots to be mo careful. Lmaaoo
Looking down at my leg, I’m positive it is broken. Not only can’t I put any weight on it, but my foot is slightly bent to the right. There is no way I can walk with this injury. The only option I have is to crawl out of here.
She surviveddddd. Lol
surely, they’ll send a search party out. Except no one knows I’m gone, only Ren. Leaning back against the tree, I stare up at the blue sky and try not to think about the way he smiled at me right before we took off. Did he do something to the helicopter?
Definitely did.
My stomach churns at the thought. He wouldn’t, would he? The doubt grows in my mind like ivy, snaking through each thought. I don’t know the answer to that question, but I can only hope he wouldn’t set me up like that.
Girl be so ffr. The man is a psycho.
My knuckles bleed profusely, but they don’t hurt anymore. I hit harder, hoping that the pain will return, but I’m already numb. My body and mind are numb, leaving nothing but a hollow feeling behind. I would rather feel the pain.
Lmaoo. Is this him grieving ??
I am no stranger to grief, but this is different because this one is on me. I made Aspen want to leave this place. It’s my fault she’s dead, and I don’t know how to get over that. I don’t know if I can.
😂 idk why I’m laughing.
Taking one more deep breath, I’m about to turn around and walk back inside when I see it. A bright red flare shoots up like a firework. With wide eyes, I watch the bright ball light up the sky before fizzling into nothingness.
Of coursee
That was the spot where I saw the helicopter go down. I’m sure of it. Someone survived the crash. Which means there is a chance Aspen is still alive. It doesn’t take long for that new information to trickle into my mind.
Alright. Well, go get her.
“Why is this so important to you?” “How is this not important to you? One of your students could be dying right now.” “Aspen stopped being my student when she decided to leave. She’s no longer under my protection, nor is she my problem.”
That man is truly TRAASSHH
“Thanks for nothing,” I murmur, right before turning to walk out the door. “This is not your fault, Quinton. You might not see it right now, but this is the best thing for you.”
Whateverrrrr. SMD bro
I am not sure what my chances are of finding the crash site. I’m not even sure if it’s Aspen who’s alive. I just know this is the only chance I’ve got to make things right. Please, let me make this right.
Hmmm. Redemption arc ??👀
I drop my chin to my chest and squeeze my eyes shut, knowing that this is the end for me. I’m going to die. The tears continue to fall, and I don’t even bother to wipe them away. My body shakes, shivering uncontrollably as the icy rain comes down harder.
Aaww
Aspen… I can almost hear Quinton calling my name. Maybe I’m going insane. Or I’m already dead, and this is hell. Quinton won’t come for me. Then I hear it again. This time it’s clearer than before. “Aspen!” a voice booms
Tadaaaaa. There he is.
“Aspen?” The voice that says my name connects to an image in my mind, and I look up as he points the flashlight in his hand down at my face. Quinton.
Well well well
“Why did you come?” I ask, needing to know more than I need shelter or to be saved. If he only came out here to save me just so he can turn around and hurt me, then I’ll gladly stay out here in the wild and die. At least I’ll die with my dignity.
Girl...BE SO SERIOUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
“We’re going to survive this and make it back to Corium. I won’t let you die out here, Aspen. I promise, okay?” “Okay,” I croak, my voice cracking, giving away my emotional distress.
Hmm. How sweet
“I’m actually impressed by your brace. Girl scouts?” “No.” I smile. “TV.” “I have to take this off. We’ll make a new one tomorrow.”
Hmm. Nice small moment. I won’t read too much into it tho.
“I didn’t steal the bracelet from your sister,” I start, but he interrupts me. “I know.” He sighs. “I mean, I didn’t know. Not until it was too late, and you were already on the helicopter, but I know now.
Took you long enough.
You helped my sister. You were there for her, and I knew if I didn’t come out here and at least see if you had survived, I would have this on my conscience for the rest of my life.” The response is more than I ever expected.
Girl me too
“I understand you were hurt; you thought I stole from your sister… but why did it have to be Matteo you sent after me? Did you really hate me that much?” “What are you talking about? I didn’t send anyone after you.”
I knew it. fuckin REN
“I didn’t give him the key to your room.” I don’t know why, but I believe him. He didn’t give Matteo access to my room, but he is not denying anything about the video. I probably should leave it alone and concentrate on staying warm, but I have to tell Quinton the whole story.
Thank goodness.
“What did you just say?” “Matteo was the guy who cornered Adela. I stopped him; that’s why he hates me so much… I mean, more than the rest of the school.”
About time.
“What do you mean, she died?” I whisper the question. “She had leukemia. We tried everything possible to save her, but there just wasn’t… cancer doesn’t give a shit who you are, it just takes, and it took her, snuffed out her life before it could even be lived.”
Ooohh. Aaww. That’s sad.
It is all making sense. His need for control, his rage, and pain. He’s still grieving, and unfortunately, he found an outlet for all of it. I became his punching bag. “I’m sorry, Quinton. I had no idea—”
Yeeaahh. It is making sense. Still don’t make it completely right.
“Squat down as much as you can with one leg. I’ll hold you.” I grab both of her hands, and she does what I tell her. The embarrassed facial expression makes me smile. “You had my dick in your mouth, and my thumb up your ass, but pissing in front of me is too much?”
😂😂Lmaaooo. That’s different.
Guilt presses down on my chest. I feel bad that Quinton had to carry me through the forest, for God knows how many miles. It’s the only logical option, but that doesn’t mean I like it.
Girl.its the least he can do if you ask me.🙄
When it comes to Quinton, my hormones are all over the place. One minute, I want to punch him in the face, and the next, I want to sit on his face and let him devour me whole. It’s a disastrous idea.
Oh my goodness.🤦🏾♀️ Priorities please.
He shrugs. “It’s just lips touching. It’s nothing special.” “That’s not true. Kissing is intimate. It’s passion and heart. It’s telling someone a secret with your lips. A secret only you and the other person can decode.”
Hmm. I like thiisss. 🫶🏽
How could I be so stupid… all my thoughts and words become flakes of snow blowing in the wind when Quinton leans in and presses his lips to mine.
Okaayyy. Alright then. Wait..this is the first time they’ve kissed right ?
He devours my mouth, kissing me with purpose and confidence. I’m lost in him, drowning in him, and I never want to be rescued from this kiss. I can feel the same helpless emotions rushing off him.
Hmmmm. Okayy
He wants me as much as I want him. Moving over the top of me, his body hovers just above mine. “What secret did that kiss tell you?” he croaks. I have to force my swollen lips to move. “It told me you’re drowning too, so let’s drown together.”
Well alrighty then
“You’re so fuckin’ wet for me, Aspen. You couldn’t deny wanting me if you tried.” “I’m not denying it,” I whimper and let out a gasp when he pulls his fingers free, leaving me empty and cold.
Finally ! Some honesty here people. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
He makes up for it a moment later when he parts my legs, making sure my hurt one stays against the bed while he lifts the other and sinks inside me with one thrust.
Ooooo🥴
He fucks me slowly, almost tenderly, like we have all the time in the world, and I cling to him. I wrap my arms around his neck to keep myself in place while he slides in and out of me. The bed squeaks in the background, but the sound disappears between our breaths. I climb higher and higher toward the finish line, and I look up and stare into Quinton’s eyes.
Wooow. This is actually a nice moment.
“Fuck, every time I’m inside of you, I forget who we are, what we are to each other.” I nod. “We aren’t enemies here…” I drag my nails across his back, and a hiss escapes his mouth. He smirks and fucks me harder,
Sheesh. 🥴👏🏽
He took my virginity and gave me my first real kiss. What else of mine will he claim next? My heart? No, we could never love each other. Could we?
Hmmm🤷🏽♀️
Aspen is curled up on top of me, with her cheek against my chest, still sleeping like a baby. Part of me always yearned to have a normal sleep schedule, to just lie down and turn it all off for a few hours. On the other hand, if I were sleeping right now, I couldn’t watch Aspen.
Interesting
I decide to let her sleep until she wakes up on her own. Staying here another night should be safer. Plus, I’m already sore from carrying her all day yesterday. If we’re still not found tomorrow, we’ll try again to make it back to Corium.
Sure
“Did you hear me thinking?” I ask. “No, but I felt something poking me.” Aspen yawns, looking fucking adorable. “Can’t help it.” I shrug. “Morning wood.”
“As in, I might have blackmailed her into helping me,” I confess. “You did what?” Aspen’s head pops up, and her eyes turn into daggers, ready to stab me. “Retract your claws, kitten. First of all, I was only bluffing.
Lmaaoo. Wow
She doesn’t ask about the person I’m searching for, but I can feel her mind working and her curiosity growing. I know she wants to know more, and surprisingly, I want to tell her. I’ve already told her most of the story. I might as well tell her the rest.
Lol. Might as well.
“I don’t care what my son’s infatuation with you is. If you don’t stay away from him, you will wish you had died in that helicopter out in the forest. I won’t warn you again. Next time, you’re dead.”
Again..I say..for the hundredth time..WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEMMM ???
It hits me then, like running head on into a brick wall. My father’s voice fills my head, and I remember the riddle he gave me that I could not solve. I’m not sure why it took me so long to piece the puzzle together. Q’s mom is dead, and my father told me the answer to Q’s questions is Xander, which means…
Duuuhhh
Xander did it. Xander is the answer Quinton is looking for. Xander killed Quinton’s mom, and Quinton doesn’t know yet. Which makes me wonder, what kind of hell will break loose when he finds out?
Called it
“Did you steal my keycard and give it to Matteo?” I ask, getting straight to the point. Ren sighs deeply. His shoulders slouch slightly as he gives me a curt nod. “If I had known you would go after her like this—”
I knew itt
“You stole from me,” I growl, deflecting my real anger. “I’m trying to be your friend and protect you. There are things you don’t know.” “And there are things you don’t know.
Teeaaaa ???👀👀👀
“Never go behind my back like this again. I mean it. If you value our friendship at all, you will never fucking pull shit like this again.” “I swear, I won’t. I tried to protect you. You have to believe me. I thought I was doing the right thing.”
What is he talking about ? Protect him from what ??
“Well, you won’t do it by lying to me and taking my shit. Did you have something to do with the helicopter going down?” “I—” The door opening cuts him off and my family walks back in.
Uugghhhhh..we are talking hereeee
I miss his comforting touch, the heat of his body, his presence. Most of all, his protection. When I’m with Quinton, I feel safe, like nothing can hurt me. At least out there, it was like that. Out there, he wasn’t my enemy. He was my protector. I wish we could have stayed that way forever. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s possible.
Unfortunately not.
My hand is already wrapped around the metal doorknob when Ren appears behind me. “Before you go, we need to talk. Aspen is playing you, Quinton.” “This again? Why are you beating a dead horse?” “I already told you, I’m just trying to protect you.
From what ? Spill the tea already🙄
