Page 42 of Fractured Mind
“I told the school you’ll be staying home today.”
A wave of calm flows through me. When I glance at the time on my phone, my eyes bug out. “I haaave slept in.” It’s lunchtime.
“I knew you needed it. Let me know if you’d like anything.”
MISSEDCALLS
Ruby
Ruby
Ashton
MESSAGES
Ruby
Ashton
I click on Ruby first.
I hope you feel better x
How are you this morning? Are you still coming to school?
Much better. Sorry I missed you this morning, I was still asleep.
Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re feeling better. It isn’t the same without you.
Gratitude sparks. Then I flick to Ashton’s message but hesitate before opening it.
I stopped by to see you, but you were asleep. I’ll come and check on you later.
After school, Ruby bounces into my room, with Ashton and Levi following closely behind. I’m surprised at seeing them here, but I break out into a beaming smile and sit up to greet them.
Ruby gets on the bed and under the covers beside me. “Hey, hon.” She puts her arms around me, hugging me. “Please tell me you’re back tomorrow.”
“I should be.”
She glances up. “Thank the Lord!”
Ashton sits. The side of his body leans against mine, but unlike Ruby, he sits on top of the comforter before kicking his legs out. He flashes me a grim smile. “How are you feeling?”
“Better, thank you.”
Levi stands, brushing his blond hair out of his eyes. “Kitten, I think you’ve been faking it,” he mocks and winks at me.
I grin at his antics and catch Ruby rolling her eyes. I look around. “Where’s Roman?”
“Football practice,” Ashton answers. “He asked how you were.”
There’s no point in asking about Jackson because he likely doesn’t care.
Levi steps over to Ruby’s side. “Move over,” he says while shooing her over.
She scoffs and spreads her arms and legs out wide, taking up as much room as she can. “No way!”
He grabs the comforter and starts nudging her with his hip to make room for himself. “I know you want a cuddle,” he purrs in a sexy rasp. I cover my mouth, trying my best not to laugh.