Torn (Connections #2)(64)

As the darkness turns into dawn, I lay awake thinking about what has happened between us. I'm not sure if I ever dozed off, but I did walk over to the door at least ten times and grab the knob, though I never turned it. I wanted to go out there, to see him, to be with him. But I couldn't. River's tendency to keep secrets from me is not something I know how to handle until he's in a more coherent state of mind.

My phone rings and I sit up to see who's calling so early in the morning. When I see it's Ben's nephew, Trent, I answer immediately.

"Hello?"

"Dahlia," he says in a trembling voice.

"Trent? What's wrong?" Instantly, concern washes through me.

"I need help. I'm in trouble. Can you come get me?"

"Trent, where are you?"

"Don't tell my mom, Dahlia."

"Okay, just tell me where you are." I am panicked and worried, ready to agree to anything just so he'll tell me where he is.

I have to strain to hear his voice as he sniffles and tells me where he is before hanging up.

Jumping out of bed, I dash into the bathroom and then into our closet to throw on some clothes. I don't stop to brush my hair; I just pull it back messily. When I get to the living room I see River facedown on the couch, a bottle of vodka on the floor next to him. I try to wake him up, to tell him where I'm going, but he doesn't respond. I have to go, so I grab my keys and hurry out the door. I shouldn't be that long, especially since as soon as I hit the freeway, I drive as fast as I can. I've talked myself into not calling Serena until I find Trent, but wonder if I should call Grace. I reach for my phone. Shit! I left it at home. Despite the light rain, I manage to get to Newport Beach in less than fifty minutes. I hope it's fast enough.

My heart races as I park in the lot near the Ferris wheel. Walking past it, I head behind the concession stand. The smell hits me instantly. Rows of garbage cans and trash lead the way down to what must be the back alleyway of the fairway. I stop immediately when I see them among the stacked boxes and empty beer kegs. Ben is squatting down in front of Trent, who is sitting on the ground, supporting himself against the building. His legs are outstretched and his head is back. I'm not sure if he's awake or asleep. One of Ben's arms is in a sling. He's talking to Trent, but I can't hear what he's saying. Trent seems to be moving his lips, but his eyes are closed. He looks so different. The once muscular young surfer looks to have lost at least twenty pounds, he has bruises on his arms, and seems frail. What happened to the boy with the big smile and dimples, just like his uncle? The boy on the ground is not the Trent I know. 

Ben leans in closer-why I'm not sure. But when Trent's head falls to the side and Ben lightly slaps his cheek, alarm seizes me. "Is he alright?" I yell.

Ben looks up at me, surprised. "Thank fuck. I need help. Help me get him out of here, will you?"

I rush over to them. Trent's body has gone limp. Ben props Trent's arm around his neck and does the best he can to lift him up to his feet. Trent's eyes open and he sees me. "Dahlia, you didn't tell my mom, did you?"

With tears in my eyes I look into his vacant face. "No Trent, no I didn't."

"Good," he mutters and he tries to stand on his own. "I can do it," he says to Ben.

"What's going on? What's wrong with him?"

Ben motions for me to grab Trent's other arm and I do, wrapping it over my shoulder. Once we have Trent secured between us he looks over to me. "Let's get him to the car first, then I'll explain."

Trent shuffles his feet as we assist him and Ben leads the way to his BMW. I open the door and Ben manages to get Trent into the backseat. Once he's closed the door Ben looks at me. "Did you know about him?"

"Know what?"

"That he's a drug addict."

I bring my hand to my mouth and my stomach turns. All I can do is shake my head no. Why wouldn't Serena have said anything?

"I figured you didn't. Serena's in denial and my mom is so distraught over it; she's not seeing things clearly. Do you mind helping me get him to the house?"

"Of course I don't mind, but shouldn't we take him to the hospital?"

"No, he doesn't need that. He's high. He needs to detox. I'm going to help him do that."

"You are? Are you sure you should do that with Grace?"

"No, fuck, I don't want her to know. We'll take him to our house. Mom or Serena can't see him this bad. Will you help me?"

I blink my eyes knowing there is no way I can say no. "Yes."

"How did you know?"

"Know what?"

"That he was here."

"He called me."

Ben nods his head. "Yeah, he left me a message and as soon as I heard it I came."