Chasing Imperfection (Chasing 2) - Page 12/63

“Are you sure that’s wise, Sienna? Do you remember the basis of the very reason you two broke up in the first place?” Toby asked with all sincerity.

“Don’t make any hasty decisions. But I get where you’re coming from—he is your first love and your best friend. The unbreakable bond between you two is remarkable. Think it through before breaking that barrier again,” Luce chimed in.

We all don’t want Sienna to be back with Kyle. We all knew and felt this way. But at the end of the day, it is all up to her.

I’m elated that she’s not back with him but a bit squashed that she’s even thinking of getting back with him.

What happened to the “I’m not going back to a cheater” speech she used to say?

6

Sienna

“I know…” I said, murmuring to myself more than anyone else.

Contrition and bitterness latched like a disease while sitting across Blake and his arm candy. She’s all over him like a rash. She’s gripping his arms or kissing his neck and he looks like he’s enjoying every ounce of devotion she’s bestowing upon him.

To make matters worse, she’s freaking stunning. I bet she has endless legs hiding behind the table. They look flawless together. When did they meet? Is she a girlfriend? I thought they said that Blake was playing the field, surely having a proper girlfriend is not part of the picture?

Blake doesn’t hide much of his feelings towards me. His actions and the way he spoke to me proved that he simply doesn’t care. Maybe I need to expose myself more with his treatment of me, so I would be immune to it and it wouldn’t bother me as much. When our eyes met for a brief second, my world stopped spinning. Those eyes took me in and swallowed me whole. I know I love him and wished with all my might that it would go away, but the more I fight it—the force becomes infuriatingly stronger.

Luce was ticked off with Ivanna, for reasons I have yet to drill out of her. I glanced over where Kyle was and caught his eye. He waved back and motioned for me to join them and I smiled. I should leave the table and join Kyle, but I didn’t want to. I like being close to Blake—even with his arm candy stuck to him.

My phone vibrated in my purse. When I took it out, the caller was unfamiliar. My gut churned. Shit, wasn’t this the hospital number? I paled. Chad! This call is about Chad.

God, please God. Don’t let anything happen to him. Please….please. He’s such a sweet soul, don’t take him away.

I prayed as I lifted the phone to my ear.

“Hello?” I rushed out of the booth and hastily exited the bar to speak outside.

“Ms. Richards? This is Dr. Hill, Chad’s doctor.” I choked up and tears started to fall from my face. “Please don’t tell me anything bad…don’t do that. Please tell me he’s okay,” I sniffed in between hiccups. I’m so petrified at the thought of losing Chad that I didn’t even realize the people passing by on the sidewalk were staring with avid curiosity.

“Actually, no that’s not the reason I called. We’re calling because we have some good news. You’re friend is awake. He woke up thirty minutes ago.”

What?! Thank heavens! I knew he’d come through. I just felt it.

“This is such a great miracle! We’re all leaving to go see him now. Tell him we’ll see him soon!” A bubble of excitement sprung out of me. I turned around wiping the tears from my eyes when I ran into a hard muscled chest. I swallowed and slowly lifted my eyes all the way to his eyes. He looked worried.

“What’s happened? Why are you crying?” Blake gently wiped my tears with his thumbs. His touch made me weep more. I miss you…my heart pounded with suffering.

“It’s Chad. He’s awake. We have to go see him right away.”

After I told Blake that piece of information, he gathered everyone from the booth waved a cab and we all left for the hospital. I saw Blake ask his driver to take Ivanna back to her apartment with his car. I’m hoping they aren’t serious with each other. But the way she kissed his cheek and clung to him when they said their goodbyes broke me. I couldn’t stand seeing him with anyone.

Not one word passed from our lips during the cab ride. We were happy and petrified at the same time. I rushed out of the cab the second it hit the hospital pavement. I went through the emergency room to get to his room. It was past midnight and after visiting hours.

I turned around when I heard a long whistle from one of the male hospital staff. Oh, boo! I forgot I’m wearing a blasted corset, leather pants and killer boots. Men and their libido…it doesn’t even halt in the hospital where there are sick and dying people about.

“You better keep your opinions to yourself if you want to keep your job,” Blake’s angry voice barked behind me. The male staffer mumbled an apology and left the area.

Damn it, I love it when he’s all territorial.

I was about to open Chad’s door when Lucy stopped me. “Sienna—wait! Let’s do this together.” Holding each other’s hands, I turned the knob slowly and we entered the quiet room.

“’Bout time you guys got here! I’ve been waiting for ages! I think I’ve grown a few white hairs already,” Chad whined with a tired voice. I ran to his bed and hugged the life out of him.

“You ghastly man! You gave us all a fright!” I said, clearly relieved and happy.

Wiping my tears away with the back of my hands, Luce jumped on the bed and gave Chad kisses all over his face. “Don’t you dare—ever do that again! You caused me so many wrinkles my love!” She laughed at her absurdity.

Blake and Toby sat silently on the foot on the bed. Though we are all relieved, worry was still etched in both of their faces. “I’m glad to have you back mate. We’ve all been vigilant and you don’t understand how happy we are that you’ve recovered.” Toby smiled at Chad.

Chad started to tear and I felt gutted feeling his own misery. “I’m sorry…I couldn’t take it anymore. I felt trapped and I was…drowning rapidly, I barely had the chance to take a breath. I’m grateful that I have friends that love and support me.” He took a deep breath and his lips wobbled before he spoke again. “It all started when I got a call from my parents a month ago. They heard a rumor that I was g*y. I never told them because they’re very religious people as I told all of you—but they are on the extreme side. I didn’t even bother denying the accusation because it was the truth. And I thought…why not? There will never be the ‘right time’ to come out of the closet. It was now or never. They both called me names and said I was a disgrace and wished they gave me away to be adopted had they known they were raising a g*y son. I was so consumed with sorrow and grief that I decided to party with a few friends that used coke. I took a few hits to make myself feel better. For the time being I was numb from feeling and I loved it.” He sniffed and I touched his arm.