Keeping one hand on the steering wheel, I reach out my other one to grab his, squeezing it, silently letting him know that I'm here for him. That he can lean on me.
I keep my eyes on the road, but I can feel his gaze on me. He squeezes my hand once then lets it go.
We reach the hospital in no time, and without a word, he's quick to get out of the car, leaving me to find an empty spot to park.
A few minutes later, the hospital receptionist directs me to the waiting area where I find Giovanni, instead of Parker, sitting on one of the couches. But what's he doing here? Then I remember the phone call that had Parker and I racing here. Was he the one who called?
Giovanni lifts his head, as if sensing my presence, the haunted look in his eyes pinning me to the spot. "Hey."
"Hey. Um, where's Parker?"
"He's with Aria."
"What happened to her?"
"She's been hurt, Sawyer." He exhales a shaky breath, shoving his fingers through his already unruly hair.
"An accident?" I choke out.
He shakes his head, his fists clenched, anger flickering through his eyes. "Her boyfriend beat her up."
The color drains from my face. "Oh my God."
Aria wasn't hospitalized because she got into an accident. She was assaulted by her boyfriend.
I'm going to be sick. Swallowing back the bile in my throat, I sink down on the couch.
Giovanni sits next to me.
"How's she doing?" I whisper.
"She was unconscious when I found her, but she's awake now."
I snap my eyes to him. "You found her? Did you see him—"
"I was driving home when I spotted them on the side of the road. I saw him punch her," he grinds out. "I think that blow knocked her out. He ran back inside his car and drove away as soon as he saw me." Anger flashes in his eyes. "Her face got really busted. She needed a few stitches."
I screw my eyes shut. "Jesus."
Two police officers walk past, and I know they're heading for Aria's room.
Anger boils in the pit of my stomach. I really hope she presses charges. I can't believe this happened to her. And I thought she already broke up with Michael Payne? But then, maybe he wanted her back and she refused to accept him. Whatever the reason was, that guy deserves to be in jail. He shouldn't walk away freely.
After what feels like hours, Parker finally comes out to the waiting area, anger and something else dragging at his handsome features.
"How's Aria?" I ask in a soft voice. "Is she…"
"She's okay. Just taking some rest."
"We saw the cops," Giovanni tells him. "Are they going after that son of a bitch?"
"They are," Parker nods, his nostrils flaring.
"Thank fuck." Giovanni stares at Parker. "We can get him too, you know. Just say the word."
My eyebrows pinch together at his words. Surely, he can't be suggesting that they beat Michael up?
But the look on his face tells me that's exactly what he means.
Dread fills my chest.
"No," I blurt, drawing their attention. "Whatever the two of you are thinking, don't. Let the police handle it."
Giovanni grits his teeth. "Sawyer, he hurt her."
"I know that. But violence won't solve anything. You do that and you're going to get yourselves in trouble. Aria doesn't need that right now." I turn to Parker. He's a level-headed guy. He'll agree with me. But his jaw remains set, the look on his face making my stomach sink. "Parker, you know I'm right."
"You should go home," he says so quietly that it takes a moment for me to register his words—and the fact that they're directed at me.
But why is he sending me away? "No, I'm staying."
Ignoring me, he turns to Giovanni. "Drive her to my house. She left her car there."
"Hey, I'm right here," I protest. "I can decide for myself, and what I want is to stay here."
Let me be there for you. Don't shut me out.
"Sawyer, please. I have no time for this."
That's when I see it. Right now, in this moment, he's not my boyfriend. He's Parker Holloway, the boy who carries the weight of responsibilities on his shoulders. He needs to be with his family, and my stubbornness—despite my intentions—is getting in the way, adding to his burden. No wonder he wants to send me home.
"Okay," I say softly, finally acquiescing, trying not to take offense at the relieved look on his face.
He cuts his gaze to Giovanni. "Make sure she gets home safe." Then without another word, he turns on his heel and walks away.
I stare after him for a beat, my chest heavy, before turning to Giovanni who's looking at me with sympathy. "Let's go."
"Don't take it personally. Parker is just dealing with a lot of stress right now. I'm sure he'll call you later."
"Yeah." But something tells me he won't.
CHAPTER 33
Sawyer
"Sawyer?
"I don't think she's listening."
"Sawyer!"
"What?" I blink, finding Quinn and Brayden staring at me, concerned looks stealing their features. Why are they looking at me like that? "Were you saying something?"
"Since lunch started? Yeah. And you haven't paid attention to any of it. What's going on with you right now?" Quinn narrows her eyes at me. "Is it Parker? Is he still making you wait?"
"No," I glare, my cheeks burning. I can't believe she brought it up so casually.
Brayden almost spits out his drink, which tells me Quinn already shared that particular tidbit.
Only they have no idea the information they have is already outdated. Too bad I'm currently not in the mood to share the update. Not when something's troubling me.
My eyes dart across the cafeteria to where Parker and his friends always sits. But he's not there with them right now. He didn't even come to school today.
And I have no idea where he
