Page 23 of Drive Me Crazy

My mouth gaps. "I did not understand there was so much wrong."

"You should never have driven here on your own, but that proves one thing for sure. He may have broken your body, but he couldn't break your spirit." Her lips quirk, making me chuckle.

"I planned this for years, I only needed a push."

She writes in my folder. "I hate to say this, but I need to admit you at least overnight. You need a lot of tests; we do not understand what we may find and having you here will make it easier if something happens that needs tended to."

"He's gonna come for me." I shudder, fearing of Weston finding me here, unprotected.

"I'll make sure someone is at your door." Her smile should be reassuring. It isn't.

I drag in a deep breath, steadying my nerves. "Thank you, I appreciate it."

"I'll put your orders in and we'll get you going with some tests and a room." She takes my hand. "I'm sure you might doubt this right now, but I have every belief in you. You're going to be Alright."

"Thank you." I return her smile. She turns and exits the room, leaving me here. Alone. I replay the last twenty-four hours over in my head and find that I'm so confused.

There's another tap on the door, Scout pops her head in. "Can I come in?"

"Yes, of course." I wipe my nose on the back of my hand, giggling. "So, lady like, Harper."

She hands me some tissues, pushing my hair over my shoulder. "You know, no one would blame you if you wanted to cry or scream even."

"Ha! I am." My breath hitches as my soul howls, I'm decimated. "I'm doing my best to get through this."

"You're doing amazing," she sits beside me. "but it has escaped none of us, you keep saying 'thank you.' You're holding on so tight that something is bound to make you snap, Harper. It will come out, it has to. You need to be ready for when it does."

"I know." Scout only wants what's best for me and I hear her, I do. But as fear grips me, I can't help to worry I'll lose what little of me I still possess. I've spent years holding on to her, shielding her from all of this, I don't trust letting her go right now.

A nurse walks in, saying words, and Scout is answering with more words. I'm busy blocking them out; I do as I'm told. I stand and move and bend, doing everything everyone is telling me to do.

Someone mentions the detective, another says something about catatonic state, and my all-time favorite... she's having a breakdown. No, I'm not. I'm not breaking down.

I. Am. Broken.

I don't want to talk. I can't stand the noise. There's too many talking at once. When will someone listen to me? I want to scream at them to get the fuck out! I want to be alone. No more examinations. Or poking and prodding.

"Stop touching me. Stop talking. Give me a fucking minute to just breathe!" If I hadn't gasped from yelling, I wouldn't have realized I said that out loud. My body trembles as if I'm freezing.

Landon's eyes are wide as my mother gapes at me. My father steps away from the bed, Scout's face is red as tears stream down her face. My eyes flicker to the left as Doctor Burgess moves closer to me.

Like the little boy with his finger in the dam, the fissure I had stopped from opening breaks free. The fracture widening as I sit here, watching everyone talk about me.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to raise my voice." I scan the room, hoping they're paying attention. "Listen, I need some sleep. I need a safe place for just a little while. I know you all want answers, I understand you want to help but I need peace."

"We're all working on keeping you safe, Harper." Landon's face is soft, reassuring me I'll be Alright.

I swallow past the knot in my throat. "Thank you."

"Shall we give her some room; her medication will soon start working and she should be able to get some rest." Doctor Burgess address's the room and I smile, grateful for her understanding and care.

"I'll be fine, but I would love some sleep." I reach for my dad, taking his hand.

He leans in, kissing my forehead. "You have a guard outside your door."

"Scout or I can stay, if you'd like." Mom rubs my arm, returning my smile. The only thing is mine are fake.

"I appreciate it, I do but I plan on catching up on some much-deserved sleep." I pat her hand, giving it a squeeze.

Landon walks over to the end of my bed, gripping it. "If you're sure."

"I am." I hesitate. "I love you, all of you, and I appreciate everything you've done but there's time. I'm not going anywhere; I simply need some time."

"And time is what you'll get." Scout slips her arm into Landon's, tugging him.

"Tomorrow then." My dad kisses me once more, followed by my mom.

"Good night and thank you." I say again through a forced smile. I love them, I do, but I can't breathe, and I need to.

Doctor Burgess finishes writing in my chart and looks up. "As long as nothing unforeseen comes up, she'll be free tomorrow around noon."

"I'll be here." My mom answers.

"Alright, now go forth and prepare the magnificent feast!" I lift my arms, widening them as a Queen would.

My dad chuckles. "We're going, catch you tomorrow, sweetie."

I'm kissed, hugged, and tucked in by all of them before they can walk out of the door. I love them. I've spent several years praying to come back to them. I just need more time.