In My Dreams (First Tracks Book 2) by Kristen James Read Free Book Online Page B

they can be a bit much.” She looked down. Was she
hiding her expression? They were great parents, sure, and I know they’ve been
there supporting Marcus… But they don’t like me. I’m not sure how to prove to
them that I’m helping Marcus and want the best for him. I let the topic drop,
not wanting to argue with Jen, not when she’s helped me so much. She was the
one that got me in to see Marcus while he was in a coma.
    We talked about other things on the way down to the parking
garage, where she hugged me goodbye.
    “Thanks for being there for Marcus,” she said when she
pulled away.
    “You’ve really been there for him all along,” I said in
return. “I hope you know how much he appreciates it.”
    Tears clouded her eyes as she nodded. She stepped back, and
then we both waved and turned away, her heading back inside and me walking out
in the garage to find my car.  
    I tried to think ahead to school.  If I made it back to
class tomorrow, I could get in a few days this week. That is, if my professors
let me.  The term started without me, and I’m not sure if I’ve missed the
deadline to attend classes. I have to try, though. If for nothing else, because
I made a promise to Marcus.
     

Chapter Seven

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Marcus
     
    The dim, bland room felt small and empty without Avery. I
ran my hands over my face, wanting to hold it together, and ended up leaving
them there. Hiding.
    Dude, this is seriously messed up. I never let anything
shake me or get me down. I’ve lost competitions. I’ve totally yardsaled so many
times. I’ve fallen and broken stuff before. I’ve always gotten right back
up…but not this time.
    I heard my family walk in but didn’t have the energy to
compose myself.
    I felt my mom’s hand on my shoulder. “Marcus?”
    I pulled my hands away. She was right there, with my dad and
Jen lurking behind her. Man, was I getting tired of looking up at everyone from
this freaking bed. Mom sat down, her hand still on me.
    “You know, this is pretty normal,” she started.
    “How could any of this be normal?”
    “I’ve been reading up on this. When people come out of a
coma, they can have short term memory problems, and be agitated and emotional.”
She pulled up a brochure and began reading. “Your family member by be
disorientated and confused about the time, where they are, and even who they
are. They might not understand what is happening.”
    “Mom, what the fuck? I know exactly who I am and where I
am.”
    She jumped at my words. I was shocked myself. I still felt
that boiling hot pressure in my head but I knew I’d crossed a line.
    “Sorry. Hey, I’m sorry. I’ve been letting myself get way too
frustrated. But what are you worried about?” I glanced at my dad, still
standing behind her. He turned and busied himself with putting things on a
counter. Seriously? He wasn’t going to say anything?
    “This is about Avery, not me. Isn’t it?” I pointed the
question at my parents, but mostly at my dad. “You can all see my mental state
is fine. I’m doing pretty damn well according to that cheesy grin doctor.” I
struggled to lift my head so I could see Jen. My mom adjusted my pillow and
then the bed so I was sitting up.
    Jen glanced at me several times but kept dropping her gaze,
her arms folded and her body turned away. She didn’t want to argue with our
parents, but she believed Avery and me.
    “Marcus,” mom said, glancing at dad for support. “We need to
talk about a physical therapy center.”
    What? Where’d that come from? I sighed, realizing she was
changing the subject. I wanted to deal with this shit and make them see that Avery
would be a part of my life. It’s my life—they’ll have to see that at some
point. Maybe when I’m on feet again. Fuck!   God damn, this is
frustrating.
    “Why do I need another center?” I asked.
    “After this one, not right now,” Mom clarified.
    Oh, hell, no. I can’t handle another center after this