The Same Side (University Park #2)

by CM Doporto

  “I don’t care.” I shoved the phone in his hand. “He needs me.”

  “You’re making the biggest mistake of your life.” Collin shook his head. “I can’t promise that I’ll be around when he breaks your heart again.”

  I sighed. “I know and I don’t expect you to.”

  “So, I guess this is it?” Collin shoved his hands in his pocket. His shoulders slumped and his entire body deflated with one breath.

  “I’m sorry, Collin, I really am, but…I have to go.”

  “I wish you the best. I really do.” Collin leaned forward and kissed me on the cheek. “Bye, Lexi.”

  I pressed my lips together, fighting back the tears. I may not have loved him, but I did care about him and I wanted him to be happy. I wanted both of us to be happy and we didn’t equal that. Our equation was better split in two. “Bye, Collin.”

  I sucked in a silent breath and turned toward my brother and Delaney. “Let’s go.”

  My mom stepped in front of me. “If you leave, you’re not welcome back.”

  Adjusting my purse, I said, “Good. I don’t want to come back to this prison.”

  I walked to my closet and grabbed the bag that I had packed when I was planning on running away from home. I quickly stuffed a few of my personal items inside and zipped it closed. My dad kissed me on the forehead. His eyes glazed over as though he felt sorry for me. If he did, he didn’t say anything. I figured I’d never know unless he was waiting to tell me in private.

  We walked out of my room and were promptly greeted by my sister. “Where the hell are you going?” She lifted her wine glass and moved out of the way.

  “She’s going to see that no good, SOB,” my mom snapped.

  Anger ripped through every muscle fiber in me and it took all my effort not to punch my mom in the face. I was ready to knock the words out of her mouth so she never spoke them again, but I kept my focus and darted down the hallway. She wasn’t worth it.

  “Oh my god. Are you still hung up on that loser?” My sister’s voice trailed behind me.

  “Screw you. That’s none of your business,” I barked as I flew down the stairs.

  “You really are a disgrace to this family, you know that?” she yelled, calling everyone’s attention as we passed into the living room. “He’s a druggy and it’s rumored he has a kid. But I’m sure you already know that.”

  I stopped and turned to face her. Biting down on the inside of my cheek, I drew blood to keep from lashing out a string of expletive words. “Go to hell.”

  “To each their own.” Ashley threw her head back in laughter. “Just wait. He’ll end up in prison, being someone’s bitch for a very long time.”

  “What?” I had to catch my breath because I couldn’t believe what she’d just said. “Would it kill you to—” I stopped when I remembered the background check and court documents. She’d been helping my mom all along. It all made sense. My mom had her dig up stuff on him.

  “You’ve really gone too far.” I shoved my finger in her face. “You better be careful, I’m warning you.”

  “Oh, like I’m so scared.” She pressed a hand to her chest and I pushed her out of my way, heading straight to the garage. “You’ll be going down, just like your loser boyfriend. Mark my words.”

  “Whatever!”

  “Shut the hell up, Ashley. You always think you’re so perfect when in reality, you’re like every other attorney I know,” Luke commented as he followed me out the door.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” She raced after us and Luke slammed the garage door in her face.

  Luke started the car and we got in. My parents stood in the garage, watching as we backed out into the street. I wasn’t certain if my mom would keep to her promise of disowning me and never allowing me in the house, but that was the least of my worries. Raven was my number one concern.

  Σ

  Chapter 19

  I pulled out my phone and hit Raven’s number. I knew he probably wouldn’t answer, but I could only hope that his mom or someone else would. With each ring, I squeezed the edge of my seat tighter, unable to contain the unease stirring within my already upset stomach. It rang and rang before finally going to voicemail. I considered leaving a message but hit the end button instead.

  “Anything?” Delaney turned around in her chair as she checked her phone.

  “No, nothing.” I shook my head and tried to keep calm, but between the beat of the music and the pounding of my heart, I was spiraling into a full-fledged panic attack. I took several deep breaths, trying to ebb the tension tightening every muscle in my body, but it was pointless.

  “Hurry, Luke.” I leaned against the front bucket seat, unable to sit still.

  “I am. I am.” Luke’s fingers gripped the steering wheel and the hum of the motor increased as he sped up.

  “Don’t get pulled over and please don’t wreck.” Delaney sighed as she continued checking her phone. “Damn, no one’s posted anything. What the eff is social media for if you’re not going to give updates?”

  “I don’t know.” I watched the lines of the freeway race by as I kept my focus on the road in front of us. The lights blurred in the night and the green signs faded quickly as Luke passed them at a high speed. I said a silent prayer, asking God to get us to the hospital safely and to let Raven be okay.

  He had to be okay.

  I kept telling myself that everything would be alright once I got there, despite every vibe telling me that it wouldn’t. I leaned against the back seat, battling the voices of defeat. Closing my eyes, I thought about all the special times we had spent together. Tears seeped from my eyes and I let them fall as I released the worry eating away at me. I smiled as I reminisced the first time we met at the writing center and how I despised the fact that Dr. Connor forced me to help him. My body tingled with excitement as I recalled how he’d awoken a need in me that I never knew existed.

  The time we spent in the stadium suite was magical and I’d never forget it. Especially the way he teased and flirted with me, but maintained a level of respect that was not common or familiar for him. There was something special between us; we were direct opposites of each other, but perfectly crafted for each other at the same time. I needed him and he definitely needed me.

  I wrapped my arms around my body as I imagined the week I spent in his strong arms. My skin was marked with the memories of his touch and scent. All of it was embedded deep into every cell of my body. Raven owned a part of me and I was glad that I had given it to him. There were no regrets and I would hold onto every encounter we had of making love to each other. Nothing would ever take that special bond away from us.

  Not my mom.

  Not my sister.

  And definitely not Collin.

  One thing was certain. I loved being hooked in The Raven’s trap. It was the best damn trap I’d ever experienced. I prayed that I’d be able to have more of it, because one thing was certain, I was never releasing myself from it again. No matter what.

  I’d fight for him.

  I’d fight for us.

  “Lexi, I’ll drop you off at the front,” Luke announced and my eyes popped open.

  “Okay,” I said, grabbing my phone.

  The car tilted to the right as Luke took a hard turn and the tires screeched against the pavement. I slid all over the backseat, trying to stay put as he drove like a bat out of hell. He flew over several of the speed bumps before slamming on the breaks and coming to a stop at the emergency entrance. Delaney flung the door open and we toppled out of the car. Weariness filled my muscles and my legs felt heavy as we rushed inside. I managed to pick up my pace, not letting the fear keep me back. I had to see Raven. I had to know if he was okay. I didn’t care if he didn’t want to see me or wanted nothing to do with me. And the more I thought about what Delaney said, the more my intuition told me that my family might have had something to do with our breakup.

  Delaney kept up with me as we darted toward the information desk.

>   I skidded to stop, trying not to twist my ankle in my stacked heels. “Ra-ven Daven-port.” I gasped for air, taking in big breaths. Delaney rested on the counter, drawing in air to her lungs as we waited impatiently.

  The lady behind the desk adjusted her glasses. “When was he admitted?”

  “I don’t know. A few hours ago, maybe.”

  “Okay, let me check.” She typed in some information on her computer but before she could respond with any information, I heard a familiar voice call my name.

  “Lexi?”

  I spun around and saw Raven’s mom, Trish, heading toward me. Her eyes were red and her hair was matted. She had on an oversized sweatshirt and sweatpants and it looked like she had literally crawled out of bed and went straight to the hospital.

  “I’m so glad you’re here.” Her arms wrapped around me and she began to cry. “I can’t believe…”

  Embracing her, I tried to calm the panic and worry in her yelps. “What happened, Trish?”

  Delaney looked at me and then grabbed a handful of tissues and handed them to her. “Is Raven okay?”

  Trish nodded and my body shifted from a feeling of nervous hope to one of excitement.

  Raven was alive!

  “What happened? We heard he was in an accident.”

  She released me and wiped her eyes and nose. “They found him passed out in the bathroom at one of his friend’s place.”

  “What?” My stomach rolled and I wanted to throw up again. I felt the blood drain from my face as I imagined Raven high on cocaine and drunk from alcohol. Covering my mouth, I swallowed several times, pushing the bile down. “Did they say why?”

  Her eyes drifted to the floor and she gave a slight shrug of her shoulders. She either knew and didn’t want to say, or was too embarrassed to tell us.

  “Lexi!” Shelby barreled through the front doors with Josh following her. They were dressed like they had been at a New Year’s Eve party. Shelby had a long, formal, black dress on and Josh’s ensemble was missing the bow tie and tuxedo jacket.

  “We came as fast as we could.” Josh ran his fingers through his short, blond hair. His brows knitted together, forming deep indentions on his forehead. “Do you have any details?”

  I shot Trish a quick glance and she sighed. “All I know is that they found him passed out on the floor.”

  “Who found him?”

  “I did.”

  We turned to see Shawn standing behind us. He rested his arms against his chest. “At Jared’s place.”

  “Shit.” Josh’s nostrils flared and his face reddened. “I told him to stay the hell away from that guy.” He placed a hand on Shawn’s shoulder, leaned in, and said, “Was he back at it?”

  “I’m not sure.” Shawn gave a slight roll of his dark brown eyes.

  “No.” My heart dropped and I felt by body sway. I leaned against the wall, until the dizzy spell passed.

  “He wasn’t supposed to be there.” Anger laced his words and he gave me a disapproving look. I wasn’t sure if he was insinuating that it was partially my fault for not being there for him, and although I wanted to tell him something, I was grateful that he’d saved Raven.

  “Fucking idiot!” Josh growled, and stomped off, cursing under his breath.

  Trish placed her hand on Shawn’s arm. “Thank you so much for helping my son. If you wouldn’t have brought him here, he might not be alive.” Tears dripped from her eyes and her voice cracked.

  “He’s my friend, so I’m going to watch out for him,” Shawn reassured her and she started sobbing harder. Gradually, he took her in his arms and held her as she wept.

  Tears rolled down my checks and regret furled inside of me. If I would’ve stayed with him, none of that would have happened. We wouldn’t have gone back to Jared’s. That entire night could’ve been avoided if I had only stayed with Raven and ignored my parents. I hated that I wasn’t there for him, especially after I promised him I would be. Some friend I was.

  We sat in the busy waiting room, waiting for the doctor to come and talk to us. The hospital buzzed with traffic as one incident after another filed in. We even had a little excitement when a man started yelling, demanding that they allow him to see his wife. The security guard had to restrain him and eventually they took him away. We wondered if he was able to see his wife, but based on his behavior, we figured that he was taken to a holding cell for evaluation.

  The clock moved slowly as each hour passed and I waited with baited breath. We leaned on each other for support, but most of all, for hope. All we could do was pray that Raven would be okay. He had to be okay. I refused to believe otherwise.

  “Everything’s going to be okay.” Delaney held on to my hand as I sat, curled in a ball.

  “I feel somewhat responsible for what happened,” I whispered, not wanting anyone but her to hear me.

  “But it’s not your fault.” Luke handed her a cold Coke Zero. “Thanks,” she said as she tried to open it. Luke motioned for her to hand it to him and he twisted the cap with a flick of his wrist.

  “Do you want anything?” Luke asked.

  “A Sprite, please. My stomach feels like crap.”

  “I bet,” Delaney said in between sips. “It’s been one messed up night.”

  “I should have never went home.” I shook my head.

  Tucking my hair behind my ear, Delaney said, “Quit harping on the past. What matters is that you’re here. And you’re going to tell Raven how you really feel about him.”

  “But what if he doesn’t feel the same?” I squeezed my eyes, not wanting to cry. “I mean, he’s the one that broke up with me.”

  “I know he cares about you. And I bet he did all of this because he couldn’t handle being without you.”

  “Do you really—”

  “The family of Raven Davenport.” A man wearing a white coat walked into the waiting room.

  Everyone stood and Trish and I rushed toward the double doors. “Yes, I’m his mother.” Trish held on to my arm as we waited to hear news about Raven.

  “I’m Dr. Ghatalia, and I’ve been overseeing the treatment of your son. The good news is that we were able to stabilize him. Thanks to his friend Shawn, we knew exactly how to treat him and more than likely, that’s how we were able to save his life.”

  “Thank you, doctor.” A huge weight lifted from my chest and I released the breath that I didn’t realize I’d been holding. My vision cleared and the ringing in my ears subsided. Every muscle in body relaxed and I thanked God for saving him.

  “Thank you, thank you,” Trish whispered repeatedly as tears streamed down her cheeks.

  I pulled her in my arms and we embraced, crying together over the same man we both loved and cared for unconditionally. The same man that had taken us to hell and back. I couldn’t imagine what she’d gone through, and at that moment, I understood her last comment to me at the mall. Raven was a handful, and I wasn’t sure how if I could handle going through another ordeal like that one again. All I knew was that I loved him, cared for him, and was willing to give up everything for him. I would hold to my promise. I would be there for him, no matter what it took. I wouldn’t let him throw his life away to drugs — he was too precious to me and I had to make him see that, because apparently he didn’t appreciate his life.

  “My son’s alive,” she sobbed in my ear and I cried with her.

  After a long minute of releasing all the pinioned worry within us, we turned to the doctor.

  “When can we see him?”

  “You can see him now.” The doctor swiped the screen of his tablet. “But only for a short while. He’s been through a lot and needs to rest. We will move him to a room within the hour and we will keep him here for at least a day. I need to make sure his vitals are stable without medical intervention.” He straightened and took in a slight breath. “Based on his history, I will have to recommend him for treatment, you understand, correct?”

  His mom nodded. “Yes, I understand.”

  “Than
k you, doctor.” I hugged the man, even though I didn’t know him and turned to Trish. “If you want to see him first, I understand.”

  “It’s okay. You go ahead.” She wiped her eyes and sniffed. “He needs to see you, not me.”

  “Thanks, Trish.” I gave her another quick hug. “I won’t be long.”

  “Go.” Her quivering lips formed a lopsided smile as she pushed me toward the double doors.

  “He’s in room sixteen.” The doctor smiled and stepped aside.

  I raced down the hall, dodging a few nurses on the way as I looked for his room. A sign on the wall pointed toward the end of the hall and I ran toward it. The hallway seemed to extend with every step I took and I increased my speed until I finally reached the door.

  The large door was slightly ajar and a low light filtered through the crack. I slipped through the opening and gasped when I saw Raven laying on the hospital bed with wires connected to his arms as several monitors kept tabs on his vitals. His eyes were closed and he looked peaceful as his chest rose and fell in steady movements. Thank God, he was alive.

  I tiptoed to his bed and eased beside him. Taking his hand in mine, I held on to it and raised it to my lips. I kissed his fingers and then pressed his palm to my cheek, dying to feel his touch. His hands were cold and didn’t hold the usual warmth that I had grown accustomed to. I figured it was because he’d nearly died and it would take a while for his body temperature to get back to normal. Damn, he made me so mad. I wanted to yell at him and kiss him at the same time.

  As I lowered his hand, he stirred and his eyes cracked open. “Le-xi?”