Page 88 of Hale

Together, we stare in awe as he cuts open his flesh. Hudson doesn’t want to be alone either. He wants to be with me.

Sick. Sick. Sick.

Together, we’re healed.

He cuts the other side and then he bleeds. Pulls me to him and holds me close. Kisses my head and promises me our love won’t end here.

A love like ours transcends the simple minds of those who occupy this world.

Our love is too powerful to exist in such a place.

“We’re not a tragedy,” Hudson says, his voice sleepy like mine.

Kiss. Kiss. Kiss.

Our mouths mate like our bodies no longer can.

“Look at us. We are.” I laugh, but no one hears it. No one but Hudson. Like always.

“No.” His voice is fierce, even though it’s fading. “We’re a happily ever after. Just a complicated one.”

Hudson

I’ve made bail.

Unreal.

Barely a night spent in jail. I was sure I’d spend the next decade or two locked away. Bradley told me I was looking at some time if they could somehow secure a testimonial. The claims of incest and assault would prove to be a violent concoction that could earn me many years. As I fell into a fitful sleep, worrying over Rylie, I’d come to accept my fate.

As long as the shit didn’t touch Rylie, I’d do all the time required of me.

After I’m released, I walk into the lobby of the police station expecting to see Bradley. Instead, I find Uncle Randy. His face is swollen and bruised, but he isn’t angry.

Sad.

His eyes are watery and filled with pain.

My anxiety spikes as my heart cracks.

“Rylie,” I growl as I approach him.

He flinches at her name. Hot tears streak down my cheeks as I shove past him, desperate for air. As soon as I’m outside, I gasp in breaths as I hold on to a railing on the steps. My stomach clenches and my head spins.

“Listen,” he says behind me.

“W-Where is s-she?” I can barely choke out the words.

“She’s in the hospital.”

Swiveling around, I grab him by his shirt. “Why? Why is she in the hospital?” I roar and shake him. “Why?”

He doesn’t fight me, not like hours ago. Instead, a pained sound escapes him. “Jesus, Hudson. There was so much blood. I…I…she…” He swallows and his chin quivers. “She took your mom’s scissors to her wrists. I swear we didn’t know they were down there.”

I did.

I knew.

My knees buckle and the world tilts on its axis. I hit the concrete painfully, my knees screaming as they’re scraped and bruised through my sweatpants. I shudder and sob as I rip at my hair.