Mended(8)

Jake opens the trunk and tosses the bags inside, and I stop breathing.



***



Cole



Cole pours himself a cup of coffee and takes a seat next to Mark in the entertainment room. They’d decided to play poker earlier in the evening, since Dell and Davie are starting on the night shift and wanted to join in on the fun.

“Coffee?” Mark asks, pointing a finger at Cole’s mug.

Cole rubs his fingers through his hair. “No sleep for me. I have to work after this.”

“You work too much,” Paul says, puffing on a cigar. “You should be joining in the fun.”

Mark holds up two fingers to John as he ditches two cards and picks up the new ones. “He used to have fun.” Mark gives a laugh. “Seems to me the house has been pretty quiet since a little firecracker isn't around to get into trouble anymore.”

“Yeah, like playing paintball or sparring in the ring,” Paul adds, glancing at Cole. “Feel free to bring her back, Logan. It’s getting a little dull here.”

Cole rolls his eyes with a smirk. “Have you met that woman?”

“Yes,” his father says, entering the room, “and we want her back.”

Mark leans over the table. “Even if you can see her whenever you want, you shouldn't say that. We miss her, and what’s with that bar? Have you met that creep? Mr. Scotch Neat? The man is an ass!”

“All right, boys.” Abigail sets a bowl of chips and hot wings on the table. Everyone stops talking immediately as they dive in.

“Fold.” Dell chucks his cards in front of him. It’s their third round, and Mark has won twice, and now he’s gloating.

“John, I see you and raise you five.” Mark grins and turns his attention to Daniel, who looks like he's thinking.

Cole’s pocket starts to vibrate. He pulls out his cell and glances at the screen, then quickly answers it. “Savi?”

“Ahh, hi. This is Jake, actually. I work with Savi at the bar.” Cole looks at Mark, who’s watching him. The table grows quiet. “I’m sorry for calling you, but I think she's having a panic attack or something. Any suggestions on what I should do?”

“Hold the phone up to her ear.” Cole quickly walks out of the room and up the stairs, grabbing his jacket and keys.

“Okay…ahh…here she is.”

Her erratic breathing fills the phone. “Savannah, it’s Cole. Can you tell me what’s going on?”

“I-don’t—” She pauses, trying to catch a breath. “I-can’t…”

“It’s all right. Where are you?” he says calmly.

“M-mall.” She starts to cry, her sounds muffled by the phone, then Jake is back on.

“We're at the mall parking lot, section 3C. Are you coming?”

“Yes, I’ll be there in twenty.”

Cole pulls into the parking lot fifteen minutes later, easily spotting Jake. Savannah is on the ground in a ball, leaning against a light pole. It’s just getting dark and the temperature has dropped drastically in a very short time. He hops out and leaves the car running.

“She won’t get in the car!” Jake calls out as he gets closer. “She won’t come near it. I don’t know what happened. One minute we were having a great time, the next she’s freaking out.”

Cole bends down close to Savannah. “Hey, baby, I’m going to pick you up and put you in my car now. I’ll take you back to your place.” She lifts her head and peers up at him through blood-shot eyes, tears streaking her face, shaking uncontrollably. She leans forward and wraps her arms around his neck.

“Cole,” she whispers, sounding relieved.

He lifts her up and carries her to the car, telling Jake to follow them back home.

A few minutes later, Jake opens the door to her apartment. “I’ll get changed and come back to check on her.”

“It’s all right, I’m going to spend the night,” Cole says as he places Savannah on the couch and removes her jacket. “I called Zack. Both of your shifts are covered tonight.” He stands, sighing. “Thanks for calling me, Jake. I...we...both appreciate it.”

Jake hesitates, then glances at Savi, who seems to be slowly coming around. “Are you all right?”

Cole knows Jake is just looking out for her, and he respects that, but he needs to leave now. “I’ve got it.”

“It’s okay, Jake, thank you.” She stands, wavering a bit. She sends him a small smile to reassure him. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Jake nods, closing the door behind him. Cole removes his wet boots and jacket, taking in Savannah’s new place. He doesn't miss the makeshift bed on the couch or the box of tissues next to it. He bends down and picks up the little army bear that had fallen on the floor, tucking it under the covers and feeling his stomach twist a little. Following the sound of the water running in the bathroom, he pushes open the door to find Savannah scrunched down in the steaming tub. Her hair is pulled up into a messy bun with a few pieces framing her face. Eyes tightly closed, she leans her head back and takes a shaky breath. Cole leans against the counter, legs and arms crossed, and watches her pale face slowly returning to its normal color.