Page 66 of My All American Girl

I looked around and found a bag with her personal things. I squatted down and put them on for her.

“I don’t think I should go,” she whispered.

“You need to get out of here. There’s nothing more you can do for him right now. He needs to rest. You need to rest. You need to eat and sleep. You’re not going to get that if you’re here.”

Sarah nodded, her shoulders trembling with emotion. I helped her out of the bed and guided her out of the med bay. I got her to the rental car, opening the door for her and gently guiding her inside.

As soon as I got in the driver’s seat, I could see she was still struggling. Instead of starting the car and driving somewhere, I sat with her. I reached out and took her hand and held it, waiting for her to find the words. She didn’t speak. She crumpled and practically fell across the center console and into my arms. I let her cry it out. I murmured soothing words, my hand running up and down her back to comfort her.

After a while, Sarah’s sobs quieted to sniffles. She pulled back slightly to look at me. Her eyes were red and swollen, tear tracks streaking her cheeks.

“I had to stop them, Dean,” she whispered, her voice ragged.

“You did the right thing, Sarah,” I said firmly, looking into her eyes. “You stood up for what’s right. I’m proud of you.”

Sarah nodded, a small, tired smile crossing her face. “Thanks, Dean.”

I brushed a strand of hair away from her face, my thumb gently wiping away a tear. “You’re strong, Sarah. Stronger than you know.”

She leaned into my touch, closing her eyes briefly. “I don’t feel strong right now.”

I kissed her forehead gently. “That’s okay. You’re allowed to feel however you need to feel. I’m here for you.”

We sat in silence for a while. I held her close, offering my quiet support. Eventually, Sarah’s breathing evened out, her body relaxing against mine.

“Thank you for coming,” Sarah said softly, breaking the silence. “I didn’t know who else to call.”

“You can always call me, Sarah. Anytime, anywhere.”

She sighed, leaning into me. “I know. I should get back to the dorm.”

“No. You’re not allowed to do that.”

“What?” she asked.

“You’re not supposed to be in the dorms right now,” I said. “Sorry. But I got you out of the med bay with the understanding you wouldn’t go to the dorm. They’re going to be doing an investigation.”

“Am I out?”

“No.” I shook my head. “Well, I don’t know what you got yourself into. Why don’t we go get a hotel room and you can get some sleep? We’ll figure everything out in the morning. I’m not leaving you alone, Sarah. Not tonight.”

She looked at me, her eyes searching my face. “Okay,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” I said. “Give me a second and let me find somewhere close.”

I quickly pulled out my phone to search for nearby hotels, my fingers flying across the screen. After a few moments, I found a quiet place just on the outskirts of town. Away from the chaos and prying eyes. Somewhere we could breathe.

“Found a place,” I told her, showing her the screen. “It’s not much but it’s clean and secluded.”

Sarah nodded, barely looking at the screen. She was exhausted. It was written all over her face.

I started the car and drove through the dark night, taking the woman I cared about to safety.