You Saved Me Once Book 1 novel Chapter 15

As soon as we turn down our street, I could see Hayes. He’s taking in boxes from his car. He’s wearing the same hoodie from yesterday.

We finally make it into the driveway, when Adam turns to me and says.

Apologize.

It was faint. There was coldness, and chills in his voice.

I rest against Adam’s car for a while, watching Hayes from a dis-tance. Not once does he look at me, he just takes in his boxes. He has a few boxes left. I could just wait a little longer, and not say anything. Watching him anchors me, but I still feel scared.

I’m dragging my feet on the wet pavement as I get closer and closer to him.

Now, I’m behind Hayes, waiting for him to notice me. The anticipa-tion scares me, my heart’s pounding. I try to deepen each breath, still tensed.

So many thoughts are going through my mind right now, too many.

Now, he’s in his trunk fiddling with another box. When he shuts his trunk, he passes me.

I call after him, but my voice is faint, it’s weak. He’s getting closer to his front door. If I don’t say anything now, he’ll go inside, and I won’t follow.

It wasn’t too loud of a yell. It startled him enough to drop the box he was carrying though.

“Sorry.” I mumble.

My eyes start to water. I’m scared to look at him in the eyes.

His strong tan highlights his freckles. His dark curly hair is now tied up. Our eyes meet, he smiles at me. Everything inside breathes again, I’m warm, just by his smile.

“Little Richards.” Hayes says.

“Hi Hayes.” I say, it sounds like a whisper.

“Why are you whispering?” He asks. His voice is low, he’s now whispering. I smile.

There’s quiet, only the stuff being thrown in the box has sound. I wipe my eyes.

“You came back.” I say.

“As promised.” He says.

I want to hug him, but he doesn’t say anything else. He smiles, then stops.

“I’m so sorry about calling the cops I thought you were someone else. Sorry about this, too. I’m such a fucking bad person.” I stutter. I keep clearing my throat.

“No, you’re not. Don’t worry about it, Little Richards.” He says.

He smiles at me again, I feel better. I want him to talk to me more.

“I haven’t seen you in a while, you look different. You look good.” I say.

“Yeah, you too. Glad to see you healthy.” He says. I scrunch my hair.

“Yep, all better now.” I look down.

“As promised.” He says.

“As promised.” I say. My throat is hoarse.

“You cut your hair.” He says.

“Yep.” I mumble.

He touches a strand, I get chills. There’s no hiding the feeling I showed.

“Your freckles got darker.” I mumble.

I touch his cheek.

“Hawaii’s treating me good, college is college. I missed Versa though.” He says. I nod.

Hayes picks up the box. I only follow his eyes, waiting for him to say more. I haven’t heard his voice in years, it was raspy, warm. Warm-er than before.

“Well, I’m glad you’re back.” I say.

He clenches his jaw.

“Jake, Adam, and Jack. We’re all happy your back.” I say.

“Yeah. Okay.” He says.