43

ALAYNA

“No, no! Please, no!”

“Please come back.”

“Don’t leave me again.”

“Please come back to me.”

“I’m okay with it. Just come back to me.”

“No. No. I’m not a burden.”

“You said you would come back.”

“Don’t leave!”

“Brandon, don’t leave.”

“No!”

“Alayna? I’m here. I’m here.”

“No. You are not.”

“Please don’t be like this, Alayna.”

“Brandon, just tell me you won’t leave!”

“Ahh!”

“Alayna, wake up!”

I open my eyes, and it isn’t Brandon but Cassius in front of me. His hands are cupping my cheeks, and his expression is one of concern.

“Cassius? Why what happened?”

“You had a nightmare... I guess.” He brushes my tears with his thumb. “So, this is what Oliver’s talking about. Alayna, how long has this been happening?”

“He doesn’t want me anymore,” I answer instead, and I don’t know why I’m not getting tired of it. But it’s just too painful.

“That’s not true. He’s just in bad shape right now. Here, drink this.” Cassius helps me sit, then hands me a glass of water and a capsule. Quickly, I take