Page 82 of Fueled Hate

“I don’t understand.”

And she probably never will, because the one who can give her answers is unreachable. “It’s gonna be okay. I promise.”

Her breathing slowly settles down, her sobs quiet, and we remain wrapped together until a voice calls out for Sadie.

“That’s my grandma,” Sadie whispers, pushing up from my lap as she rubs her shirt across her face and heads to the staircase.

I stand, debating if I should stay put before quickly deciding to follow Sadie. Her grandma has her in an embrace as she whispers tenderly, then strokes her granddaughter’s cheek, wiping at Sadie’s face.

“I just miss her,” Sadie says with a strained voice, looking to me as her eyes plead for me not to say anything. “Grandma, this is—”

“Dylan,” Pearl says, looking at me with surprise.

“How do you know him?” Sadie asks her grandma as she looks at me.

“Oh, we met not too long ago. You didn’t tell her?” Pearl tsk-tsks as she gently pats me on the arm. “He gave me quite a fright.”

Sadie keeps her questioning look on me.

“Did you get your car back yet?” Pearl asks.

“No ma’am.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out soon. You solved the other part of the equation.” Pearl winks at me, with a giddy smile.

I don’t have the heart to tell her I haven’t solved anything, I’ve only made things worse.

“It’s about to get dark, so I’m gonna get back to the house. Are y’all staying in town?”

“No, I’m going back to school.”

“Well, have a safe trip back and stop by to visit me soon.” She gives Sadie a quick hug and peck on the cheek before turning to me and doing the same. “You too, Dylan. Don’t be a stranger.”

“Yes ma’am,” I reply as Pearl walks out of the barn, leaving me alone with Sadie and her questioning look. “After I lost the race, I drove here. Your grandma saw me pull up and came to see who it was since she didn’t recognize my car.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“My mind was messed up that night. I didn’t know which way I was going until I turned around to find a little old lady holding a shotgun pointed at me.”

“What?” Sadie gasps.

“Yeah. She said this was her granddaughter’s barn, and I needed to get my trespassing ass off her property. So, I told her I was here because of her granddaughter … and I told her about Noah and losing the race. I left here and drove straight back to you.”

Sadie remains quiet for a few minutes, processing the information. “How’d you know I’d be here tonight?”

“Because I see you.”

She steps forward, looping her arms around me as she rests her head on my chest. “Will you follow me back to my apartment tonight?”

“Yes. I can drive you there.”

“No. I’m not leaving my car again.”

“Okay.” I don’t argue because I’m just thankful she wants me to follow her, what she doesn’t know is I’d follow her anywhere, even into the burning flames that are sure to incinerate us both.

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Sadie