Facade of Love (Yvette Scott and Idris Young) novel Chapter 369

I could not help but snort with laughter at his Ninja Turtle comment. However, the laughter quickly turned sour, and tears began to fall in big, uncontrollable drops.

Idris was right. I had been terrified and in so much pain, but I was used to bottling it up. That is why I seemed so calm when I first saw him.

Now, however...

When he saw my tears, his body tensed, and then he pulled me into a tight embrace. His arms were so wide they seemed to envelop me completely. Wrapped up in his hold, my tears came faster, and I began to sob uncontrollably.

He held me close, his hand gently stroking my back, just like my dad used to do to calm me down whenever he was afraid I would cry myself sick.

It took a while, but after letting out all the fear and hurt, my sobs slowed, and I lay quietly in his arms, my head resting against his chest.

When I finally stopped crying, I heard his deep, gentle voice above me. "Stop being so selfless, Yvette. No matter who you are with in the future, you’ve got to take care of yourself first, got it?"

My voice was hoarse from crying as I whispered back, "Grandma and Emily are not just anybody to me."

The voice from above was all serious business. "Look, you've got to take care of yourself first before you can even think about helping anyone else."

I bit my lip, knowing there was no winning this argument. I just gave a noncommittal grunt and let it go.

He must have heard the resignation in my voice because he let out a little sigh and gave my back a comforting pat. "We're here at the hospital. Time to get out and get those scrapes checked out."

Despite his urging, I didn't budge, not even when he gave me a gentle push.

I could not see his face. I just heard his voice, which was kind of odd, close to my ear. "Yvette, we've made it to the hospital."

I grunted again, still not moving.

He sounded confused. "What's up?"

I tried to hold it in, but eventually, I just could not. Still leaning on his shoulder, I reached out and mumbled, "Hand me some tissues, will you?"

"What's the matter?" His voice was laced with suspicion, and I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment.