Page 6 of Fractured Heart

“Back to campus.” He adjusts his grip. One strong hand rests at my waist, holding me close, while the other warms the back of my knees.

With each step he takes, the warmth from his body seeps through my clothes and burns into my flesh. It would be perfect if it weren’t for the pain. My head is pounding from the fall and my upper back throbs, reminding me of Father’s angry shouts just before each strike.

I whimper. Charming pulls me closer and his comforting touch instantly makes me feel better. “What’s your name?” he asks softly.

“Roonie,” I whisper.

I know I’m getting mud all over him, but I can’t help snuggling into his arms. Just like that, all my worries disappear.

This is exactly what I’ve been dreaming of—and singing of—for years. A handsome prince has finally come to my rescue, and he’s carrying me away. His touch makes me shiver and the pressure of his arms around me increases, reassuring me.

I hope that this moment will never end, but my wet socks and chilled limbs remind me that it will.

Then another thought crosses my mind. Am I crazy to let a complete stranger carry me off into the woods? He may look and act like Prince Charming, but I know how quickly a king can turn into an ogre.

“You should put me down,” I tell Charming.

“Not yet. We’re almost there.”

I glance in the direction we’re heading, but all I see are trees. Trees, trees, trees—and the moon, illuminating more trees.

Chapter 4

The walk through the forest ends up being achingly brief and breathtakingly endless. I should insist that Prince Charming set me down, and not just because I’m getting mud all over him. There’s still a chance he might not be the nice guy he seems to be.

I know that’s what I should do, but I can’t bring myself to say the words.

The chill seeps out of my bones, and I’m suddenly warm all over. My every breath is filled with the minty musk that’s uniquely him. I truly feel like I’m in a fairy tale. The only thing missing is music.

“What band is that?” Charming asks as he carries me up to the LUV Academy gate.

“Huh?” I say absently, my attention focused on the massive campus. I usually approach it from the back, taking the curving lane that leads to my favorite tree. I’ve never even seen the parking lot spread out before us, or the large buildings flanking it on three sides.

“That tune. I’ve never heard it before.” Charming recaptures my attention.

“Oh, um…it’s just…stuff?” I flush with embarrassment. How could I start humming like that? And here, of all places? This is the closest I’ve ever gotten to living out my fairy tale dream, and I’m about to ruin it.

“Stuff?” Charming chuckles at my non explanation and I quickly look away.

“I think I heard it on TV.” I hold my breath, but he doesn’t call me out on my lie. He just pulls the gate open and proceeds to carry me past dozens of parked cars.

The lot exits out onto a short walkway nestled between two buildings. It’s quiet, but well-lit, and when we turn a corner, the familiar clock tower comes into view. I tilt my head back, taking it in from up close for the first time. The minute hand doesn’t move, and for a split second, I hope time might stand still.

This is real life, Roonie, I remind myself. In real life, time doesn’t stop and guys like Charming don’t fall for girls like me.

State-of-the-art, modern buildings arch over our heads as he carries me across campus. I’m drawn in by the brightly lit buildings. It’s like we’re passing through an outdoor stage. Spotlights beam up at every wall, illuminating them like they’re stars performing in a fairy musical.

To my right, a low wall marks the edge of a garden that leads to a series of cozy-looking shops. When I was little, Mom loved taking me to different stores. She’d pick a nearby town, and the two of us would drive down and explore. We’d stroll along small streets, singing about princes and dragons while pretending we lived there. Looking around now, those feelings from long ago return. I want to stay right here and never leave.

Charming turns a corner and the stores disappear from view. I turn my head to keep the shops in sight. I want to hold on to the magical moment, but a wave of pain forces me to turn back. Charming continues along the path and heads toward one of the brightly lit buildings. Despite the late hour, when we step up to the front doors, they slide open to let us in.

Charming carries me over the threshold. If I wasn’t already in his arms, I think I might swoon. He walks into the lobby and heads toward the front desk. I take in the glistening marble floors and fancy leather couches. Did Charming bring me to some fancy hotel?

I feel a momentary flood of panic until the familiar smell of disinfectant assaults my nostrils. Despite how this place might look, I’ve spent enough time at the hospital to recognize one on smell alone. I look up and the sign above the front desk confirms it. We’re at the ‘Campus Health Center.’

The gray-haired receptionist—possibly a nurse—looks up from her computer as we approach. She’s wearing light blue scrubs and her name tag reads ‘Faye.’ I wonder if she’ll wave a magic wand and heal my aches and pains—or better yet, give me a fancy dress and glass slippers. I snuggle into Charming’s warmth and a contented sigh slips past my lips.

Faye purses her lips in response. She gives me a critical once-over and my cheeks blaze at the obvious judgment there. She takes in my sodden appearance in a way that makes me want to disappear. I wait for a barrage of criticism, but it never comes. Instead, Faye waves us in. “I’ll send for the doctor right away.”