The Statue Zathyn Priest

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I left a pleading letter outside, begging him to forgive me and come home. I hadn t heard
from him since.
I d tried to call The Gallows in an attempt to find out news on Zane s progress. My calls led
to a dead end, no one would tell me anything. I thought about going there, thinking perhaps
their slack reputation would allow me to sneak in unnoticed. I knew the staff on ward eight
knew my face well. If I managed to make it that far, I certainly wouldn t make it to Zane s
room without them intervening.
I looked terrible. I d lost weight, couldn t be bothered shaving, had dark circles under my
eyes, and sallow skin. I didn t care if anyone thought I should snap out of my depression and
stop feeling sorry for myself. Eli had been my best friend and lover for half my life. My life
was now dark, empty, and frightening without him in it. I wasn t the free spirit I wanted
people to see me as. My freedom came from knowing Eli s love supported me and my goals.
At the risk of sounding clich�, Eli truly was the wind beneath my wings. Without him I
didn t want to fly anywhere. What was the point of flying if the one I adored wasn t there to
share the view?
Something inside me had snapped in two. My fear of another sexual assault kept me from
leaving the house at all after dark. While I d sat with Zane, while my focus was on him, it
took my thoughts off what happened with Mark. Now it replayed over and over again, like a
movie stuck on repeat. My anxiety ruled me. My depression ate me alive. It taught me
another harsh life lesson. All of us, no matter how strong we think we are, are subject to a
breaking point and I d reached mine. In fact, I d crossed it. God forbid that breaking point
should ever lead to somewhere like The Gallows.
The phone shrilled, screaming for me to take my attention off my sorrows and answer it.
Mum called several times a day, panicking my grief could lead me into doing something
crazy. I didn t feel like talking, but she didn t deserve to worry more if I didn t answer.
Hello?
Tristan?
I jolted forward in the sofa. Zane?
Yes. Hello!
No brownie points for guessing I burst into tears again. It s so good to hear your voice!
How you doing, sweetheart?
I m doing great. I ve wanted to call you for a few days. I lost your number. I couldn t find
it anywhere. Lucas found it in my sketchbook.
Oh God, Tristan, stop crying like a four year old girl. Lucas is there?
Yes. I heard the smile in Zane s voice. Mum and Dad told my shrink to put me on the
old medication and Lucas came back. Thank you, Tristan. Thank you so much. I know you
talked them into it. Lucas and I are forever indebted to you. He paused. Would you like
to come visit us? I ve missed you and Lucas wants to meet you and say thank you.
I d love to come see you both, sweetheart. I ve been blacklisted from the hospital.
Not anymore. You re allowed to visit. Guess what?
I was already off the sofa and heading for a shower. I couldn t visit Zane looking like I did.
What? I even managed a smile.
My shrink says I might be able to go home soon. On a trial basis at first, just to see if it
works out.
I m so, so thrilled for you, honey. I ve missed you, too. Really missed you a lot. I can t
believe how good you sound. I can hear the joy in your voice.
And I can hear the sadness in yours.
Last thing I wanted to do was rain on Zane s parade by making him fret for me. I m going
to have a shower and tidy myself up. I look like a tramp. Then I ll be straight there to visit,
okay?
Can you visit tonight?
Night. My stomach lurched.
Umm, yeah. Okay. Whatever is the best time for you.
You d better still have a shower and clean up if you look like a tramp. I d say you have
about forty minutes before Eli gets there.
My fingers strangled the phone. I swear my heart stopped beating. What?
You saved my love, Tristan. I hope I ve saved yours. Eli is on his way to talk to you.
Zane...
I m hanging up now.
Zane! What do you mean...
Good luck. We ll see you tonight. Bye-bye!
Was he delusional? Sure, Zane sounded great, happy and lucid, however that didn t
necessarily mean what went on his head went on in the real world. I stared at the phone in
my hand, heart pumping like a drum against my ribs. It was then I caught a glimpse of
myself in the mirror. If Zane conjured up a miracle... No, impossible. Then again, what if it
wasn t? Did I dare take a chance at opening the door to Eli looking like this?
I tore off my clothes, dived into the shower, scrubbing my body clean, and washing my hair
in about three minutes. I jumped out again, rushing to the mirror to brush furry teeth and
shave off three weeks worth of beard. From there I dashed into the bedroom and tore clothes
off hangers. I opted for a pair of jeans I knew Eli liked me wearing. I chose a green sweater,
his favourite colour. I splashed on his favourite aftershave. Once dressed, I cast my gaze
around the bedroom and knew there wasn t much time to make the apartment look
presentable. It looked like a bomb hit it. I snatched laundry off the floor and stuffed it into a
hamper. I ran into the living room to gather up dirty dishes, piling them into the dishwasher.
When I had the place somewhat tidy, I stopped to take a breath. If Eli didn t show, I didn t
know if I could recover from the disappointment.
The doorbell sounded. My hand slapped to my chest. I ran to answer it. I flung the door
open and there he was. Standing in front of me, looking as tired and worn as I did. But, oh
my God, to me Eli had never been more gorgeous.
Hi, he said, caution in his voice. Can I come in?
I wanted to throw myself into his arms. Instead, I stepped away to allow Eli room to move
forward and close the door. He swept his gaze over me, brows knitted, expression tense, and
then wrapped me in a hug. I held on, noting Eli hadn t tried to kiss me, but thankful to feel
the warmth of his embrace.
We need to talk, he whispered into my ear. I mean really talk, Tris. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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