Chapter Seven

Rowan

"I wish could have stayed here tonight." Holding my cell phone to my ear, I looked at my reflection and blinked. I felt hollow, like an empty vessel floating in an endless body of water. My best friend had received devastating news and instead of being able to stay with me, she was being forced to hide out at her farm house with her aunt. Sure, there would be police stationed out front, but I was worried sick. What if someone came after her again? Her leg hadn't even healed all of the way yet from the last attack.

"Me too," Calla said. "But my aunt insisted on coming out here with me. She thinks it's the safest option."

I shook my head. "I don't like it, Calla."

"I know," she said. "But I can't fight her right now. She's the only person besides you who believes that my dad is innocent. Plus, we're going to meet with my dad's lawyer first thing tomorrow."

"I'm really sorry, Cal," I said, glancing at the time on my phone. McKenzie would be here any second. She understood though and wouldn't mind waiting while I talked to Calla. I'd told her everything about my best friend and what had gone down with her family. She had been so empathetic.

Guilt stirred in my stomach. Here I was, thinking about McKenzie when my best friend was dealing with her father being charged with another crime he didn't commit and death threats. That being said, it was hard not to think about McKenzie twenty-four seven... Even though we'd only met a few weeks ago, I felt like I'd known her for ages. We clicked on so many levels and my parents really liked her. I hated that I hadn't told Calla about her, I told her everything, but now was obviously not the right time. I'd have to wait to introduce her to my Mikey. The nickname brought a smile to my face and temporarily erased my guilt. She'd told me that her little brother couldn't pronounce McKenzie when he was little, so he just started calling her Mikey and it stuck. Not that she looked like a Mickey. With long chestnut hair, matching eyes, and an olive complexion, she was stunning. I honestly couldn't believe someone as beautiful as her would be into a guy like me.

"I think I need to get going," Calla said. She let out a sad sigh. "I need to get something to eat and take my medicine."

"Are you sure I can't come out and see you?" I asked.

"No," Calla responded. "That medicine knocks me out and I just need to sleep. It's the only thing that brings me some peace."

"I understand. But promise me that you'll text me as soon as you wake up, okay? If it's okay, I can stop out to your place after school tomorrow?"

"Thanks, Row."

She didn't agree to anything, but I wasn't going to push it.

"I'd do anything for you, Calla." I meant it. Not in a romantic way, but in any every other way possible.

"I know," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm so incredibly grateful to have you in my life."

"Same," I said.

A faint knock on my door caught my attention. Holding my breath, I watched as McKenzie walked in.

She pointed to the phone and mouthed, "Calla?"

I nodded and held out my pointer and middle finger, indicating that I'd be wrapping up in the next minute or two.

She sat on the edge of my bed, her long slender legs brushing against mine. She smelled good, like some kind of flower.

"Alright, Row. I gotta go," Calla said.

"If you need anything, call me," I said.

"Promise," she said, her voice almost a whisper. "Bye, Row."

"Bye, Calla."

I set down my phone and wrapped McKenzie in my arms. "Hey, babe."

Her big brown eyes locked with mine. "How is she?"

Shaking my head, I pulled back. "Not good."

"I can't even imagine how she feels," McKenzie said, placing a hand on my leg. "You don't think her father did it, do you?"

"Of course not," I said, perhaps a bit too quickly. The first time everything had happened, I'd jumped to defend Calla's father every chance I got. She had lost all of her friends and most of her family when her dad had been sent to prison.

"It's just..." McKenzie trailed off.

She didn't need to finish what she was going to say, I knew exactly what she was thinking. Calla was my best friend and I'd continue to defend her father, but the fact that he was sitting in jail again on first degree murder charges again made me feel queasy. Who gets charged with that twice in their life if they're completely innocent? For the second time in a matter of minutes, guilt washed over me and formed a pit in the bottom of my stomach. Of course, he didn't do it. Right? 

*******

Cliffhangers,

I'mmmmm baaaacccck! Did you see that twist coming? What do you think of Mikey now? 

Hope you loved this new chapter! I'm looking forward to getting back into the story and sharing more with you soon! 

Hearts and Daggers,

Kelly Anne Blount

P.S. Are we connected on Instagram? Find me @ KellyAnneBlount and @ YAAuthorLife!