Page 26 of Chase
“I hate him,” She whispers as she crawls into my unmade bed and pulls the cover up. I watch her inhale deeply. I crawl in beside her, and it takes her no time at all to tuck herself up against my side. Rubbing my hand up and down her back in a calming motion, I wait for her to talk again. We lay in the dark and when I think she’s fallen asleep she speaks softly again.
“I don’t understand why he would take me away. It doesn’t make sense.”
“I don’t know Yas. I guess the only person who can answer that is him.”
“I’m so mad at him. What if things would’ve been different if we stayed? I would’ve gotten to grow up with you. I would’ve had your mum in my life. Maybe I wouldn’t have been so alone…” I feel her body shudder as she starts crying again.
“I’m sure he had a good reason. Wait until you are ready and then talk to him. It’s all you can do. Until then, spend as much time as you want here. You are always welcome. You are part of the group. Hang out with Ally, do whatever it is girls do together. Get to know us. Let us in. I promise you we won’t hurt you.” I mean every word. I would give her my whole world if it meant she was happy.
“Thank you, Chase. Can I have your phone number please? I’d like to be able to text you,” she whispers. She hands me her phone and wraps her arm around me and holds me tight.
I program my number and then send myself a text so I have her number as well.
“No need to thank me. Just promise you won’t run away from me. I see you Yasmin. All of you.” Her small gasp lets me know my words hit her hard. She’s quiet again. I let my eyes close and the gentle rhythm of rubbing her back lulls me to sleep. Just as I am drifting off, I hear her whisper,
“I see you as well.”
***
“Arden, don’t you dare go in there.”
That’s the only warning I get before my best friend barges his way into my room. I have just enough time to move Yasmin closer. Arden launches himself at us and somehow manages to wiggle his way between us.
“What the hell, Arden?”
Yasmin starts giggling as Arden makes himself comfortable. She rolls onto her side and puts her arm over him so she can gently run her fingers up and down my arm.
“Not even sorry. You’ve had Yasmin to yourself all morning. Not my fault you chose to sleep. It’s my turn.”
“Not happening.” I respond a little to gruff. I know he means well, but with everything that happened this morning, I want to keep Yasmin close to make sure she really is okay. Before Arden gets the chance to comeback with a smart-arse comment, Yasmin speaks.
“How about we all hang out together? I have to go home to get changed and I’d like to help Mumma Nat with getting stuff ready for dinner. But otherwise I’m up for a beer and Cards Against Humanity. If you’re both game?”
“Wait, you drink beer?” Arden sounds shocked.
She mentioned during the week that she and her friend Smalls used to have a beer while working on Wander. Biggest. Turn on. Ever.
“I’m hurt. Did you think I drank that pink girlie crap?” Yasmin jokes.
“Yes. No. I don’t know. I think I’m surprised you drink.”
“I’m just full of surprises.”
“Hold up? Mumma Nat? Didn’t you only meet her this morning?”
I answer before Yasmin can. I’m not sure how much she wants Arden to know, but there are no secrets with him and I. He’s bound to find out sooner or later. I chose to give him the condensed version. I’ll fill them all in on the details later.
“About that. Turns out Yasmin and Millie pretty much lived here until Yasmin was about four. Mum looked after them until their dad left town with them. Yasmin and I were close as babies. Mum was upset when they left.” Yasmin continues to run her fingers along my arm as I speak.
“Holy shit. You pair really are soul mates? This makes so much more sense now. Mumma Nat looked like she’d seen a ghost this morning when I spoke to her. She refused to tell me what was wrong, and I was running late so I couldn’t stay to push it.” Arden doesn’t even hesitate before speaking, changing back to the previous conversation.
“I’m down for beer and games. I don’t think Mumma Nat and Millie will let you in the kitchen to help though. They seem to have it covered. I’ll text Rhys and ask him to pick up more beer on his way over. He’s picking up Ally.” That’s odd. Why is Rhys picking up Ally? She normally choses to drive herself.
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll go home and shower.” Yasmin says as she tries to get up from the bed. Arden pulls her back down.
“Not yet Shorty.” He says as he pulls her into a hug. She doesn’t try to get back up, just letting him hold her. They grew close this week; it no longer makes me jealous. Much.
“Why is Rhys picking up Ally?” I ask Arden.
