Page 68 of As You Wish | AllFreeNovel

“She was raising them alone?”

“And I was her friend. A visitor, even. We had an agreement that they would never be mine because I knew I wasn’t cut out for this.”

Jade opened her mouth and then closed it. Then, her breath hitched. “Wait, what do you mean was?”

“She was hit by a drunk driver two and a half months ago. She died on impact.”

Jade’s eyes went wide. “Just like your mom.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s my curse. They went to foster care. I got them out.” My head fell back onto her shoulder. “I think I was the worse option.”

“I . . . You . . . Did they know who you were?”

“Not until I showed up. They still don’t believe me. And I’m just making it worse.”

She went quiet. I still felt her, but there were no more words.

Was my dream ending? Would reality hit soon?

I took her in for one more minute. I let myself pretend she was really here. Then I took a shaky breath and stood up straighter.

“Thank you for listening, Dream Jade.”

“You think this is a dream?”

“I ruined things in real life. You’d never come for me. In dreams, though? I always see you there.” I gave her a half smile before stumbling up the stairs. I nearly fell through the door.

“You’re back,” Atticus said.

“I’m drunk.”

“I can see that.” He stood.

“The kids?” I asked.

“Asleep. Agnes wasn’t too bad tonight. They did try to bring a live frog in, though.” I laughed. I couldn’t help it. “Go lie down. I’ll bring you some water.”

I stubbed my toe five times before making it to bed. When I finally did, I swore I still smelled Jade on me.