Her Guardians Lost(19)

“No!” I cried, wanting so desperately to find my way back.



Gasping for air, I woke up. My alarm was still ringing, but the sound of my heart was louder. What the hell was with these dreams? They were all the same. Nothing changed. I knew the dream was significant, but I didn’t know why.

With a push of my arm, I managed to switch the alarm off. The pain in my shoulder jolted me, though. It would seem I wasn’t healing as fast as I would have liked.

With a sigh and a shake of my head, I climbed out of bed and headed for the bathroom. I took my pain meds and stared longingly at my shower. I knew I had to redress my wound anyway, so maybe I could take this one off and try to shower without getting it wet. I couldn’t see how, but I thought it might be worth a try.

As gently as I could, I took my sling and dressing off. It hurt like hell, but I knew it had to be done. I stared for a while, taking in the sight of the angry wound. It looked sore, really sore, but it was nowhere near as sore as my heart.

I showered…awkwardly. Redressed my wound…awkwardly. Everything I did, I did awkwardly. I missed having two arms.

By the time I managed to get ready, eat, and brush my teeth, it was almost time for Simon to arrive. I barely had the thought in my head when I got a text on my mobile.

It was from Simon, telling me he would be there in five minutes. I also noticed another from Michael at six o’clock this morning.



I thought you might be sleeping, so didn’t want to disturb you. I hope you’re feeling better. I’m going home soon to sleep, but if you need anything, please call. I don’t care if you wake me up. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll pop around later. Take care. xx

I had to smile as I gathered all my belongings and walked outside to wait for Simon. No matter what, Michael still continued to be my guardian angel, watching over me as only a guardian could.

I was still smiling when Simon pulled up. I opened the door, awkwardly pulled myself in, and sighed my frustration.

“It sucks, doesn’t it? I broke my arm once and couldn’t move it for several weeks. Man, it pissed me off.”

Chuckling, I found myself forgetting about my woes. It was just a reminder that sometimes people had it worse off than me.

“It’s just a little awkward. I’m sure I’ll get used to it.”

Simon started down the road. “You always look at things differently, don’t you?”

Frowning, I shook my head. “What do you mean?”

Simon turned a corner. “Well, you’ve been through so much, yet you sit here, as eager as ever, a big smile on your face.”

I almost felt tears at his statement. “You talk about me as though I’m something regal.”

Now it was Simon’s turn to frown. He looked across at me for a brief moment and shook his head. “You don’t see it, do you? I’m not sure what it is, but it makes people reach out to you. You feel, I don’t know, important.”

I couldn’t help it. I started laughing, and Simon quickly followed suit. “What’s so funny about that?”

“It’s not. I just…just don’t know what to say.” What could I say to something like that? Simon obviously saw something in me. I didn’t know what it was, but I wasn’t going to argue with him about it. To each his own, I suppose.

“Just take it as a compliment, Cassie.”

“Okay,” I said, laughing again. “Thank you.”

“No, thank you. I’m not sure what, if anything, will be achieved today. Frankly, it scares the shit out of me. I asked if I could be there with you but, for obvious reasons, they won’t let me anywhere near him.”

“And you are the one talking about me going through so much. Sometimes I suppose it’s easier focusing on someone else so you don’t have to deal with your own pain.” The moment I said it, I regretted it.

Simon saw me wince and reached out to grab my arm. “You know, it’s okay to admit what you feel, Cassie. It’s okay to admit to someone that you feel pain. You’re only human.”

I let my eyes roam over Simon’s face as I smiled. At that moment, I could see our bond was as strong as ever. He was more than just my boss. He was like a brother to me.

“Thank you,” I murmured. Simon smiled, pulled his hand away, and concentrated on his driving.

In another twenty minutes, we were parked outside an immense building. I wasn’t sure what this place was, but I didn’t care. I was here for one reason and one reason only. To get answers for Simon.

“Are you ready?”

Pulling my gaze from the building, I looked at his caring eyes. “Of course.”

“You don’t have to do this. You can pull out anytime you want.”