Page 75 of Fractured Mind
She nods and mumbles, “Unfortunately.”
Nana lets out a small laugh. Mom hisses at Nana and glances at the doctor as a blush creeps up her face. Nana dismisses Mom with a wave. “He could have killed her. What if she overdosed? What if something else happened? Anyone hurts my family like that deserves a harsh punishment.” Anger drips off every word. I would hate to be on Nana’s bad side.
“Did Ashton do a good job?” Nana asks Ruby.
Mom drags a hand down her face, which is a bright shade of red.
Ruby’s signature evil smile takes over her face. “He sure did. The guy got taken to the other hospital and is under police watch.”
Nana nods with a smile, looking pleased with the outcome. Mom glances at the doctor, looking mortified.
My body loses some of its tension, but there’s an urgency to see Ashton. “Help me up.”
Ruby’s brows crease as she looks at the doctor and my mom.
“Please stay in bed.” Mom’s voice is pleading.
“No.”
She comes closer, but I can see it in her eyes. I know she’s going to try to talk me out of it.
“Ashton’s father is a criminal lawyer. I’ve been talking to Jade, and he arrived at the police station not long ago. Ashton will be fine. There’s no need to leave now,” says Mom.
It changes nothing, so I turn back to the doctor. “Can I go?”
He looks at my paperwork and checks his watch. “You’ve been here for ten hours, but I’d like you to stay longer.”
Not happening. “And if I choose to leave?”
He sighs. “You’ll have to take it easy, and you’re not allowed to drive. We performed additional blood tests to check if you contracted any viruses through the needle. We’ll keep you informed of your results.”
Nana, Mom, and Ruby all draw in sharp breaths. I nod at the doctor, but don’t allow myself to take it in.
The doctor turns to Mom and Nana. “Is one of you taking her home?”
“Absolutely,” Nana replies, her gaze shifting to meet mine. “Wayne will be here soon and can take you to where you want to go.”
The last part has Mom narrowing her eyes at Nana. “She needs to rest.” Mom’s voice is stern.
Nana raises her brow. “She needs to report the incident anyway, and there are chairs at the police station. She won’t rest while she’s worrying about Ashton.”
Mom looks defeated, and I give Nana an appreciative nod.
“I’m coming in with you. I want to make sure Jade is okay,” says Mom.
The doctor clears his throat and pushes up his glasses. “Have someone monitor her, and if her symptoms get worse, bring her back in.”
Mom and Nana thank the doctor while Ruby leans over with outstretched hands to help me sit up. I clench my teeth at the worsening pain in my head. I bear through the pain while we finish the paperwork and leave.
On the way, Ruby explains what happened at the party. Maree’s involvement shocked all of us. It scares me that the ending could have been a lot worse if it hadn’t been for my friends. I vigorously rub my arms, like there are bugs crawling beneath my skin. After all the issues I had with Maree, I should have known not to trust her again. I should have stayed away from her and avoided all of this.
The moment I walk into the police station, all heads turn our way and the guys and Jade jump out of their seats and hurry over to me. Roman reaches me first and envelops me in a big bear hug. His biceps fold around me, and it’s laughable how small I must look in his arms. He leans down and kisses the top of my head. The tenderness makes me emotional, but I force those emotions down.Be strong.
Levi moves forward next. He stands with arms wide open and a sad smile on his lips. I don’t hesitate and step into his arms. He pulls me into his chest. “I’m glad you’re okay, kitten.”
I nod against him, swallowing hard. As I pull away, I blink rapidly and fan my face, trying to stop the tears from falling, but Jackson steps forward and wraps his arms around me. It shatters the last remaining wall I had put up to be strong. The emotions collide with such force I feel like I’m about to explode from the inside out. “Shh, don’t cry,” Jackson whispers while stroking my back.
My chest heaves. Feeling the love and warmth means a lot to me. Jackson inches back, but I cling to him until Jade’s blurred face is beside him. He pulls back once more, passing me to Jade.