Reawaken His Heart

by KL Myers

  “Chris invited Colt to the wedding. He has been avoiding telling me for a while now, I think, because he didn’t want there to be an argument between us. He told me about it last night”

  My heart just dropped about two feet. I’ve done so well at avoiding anything that had to do with Colt in the past three years that I was finally at a point where he hardly ever crossed my mind anymore.

  “It's OK, Bailey. This is your day. I’m big enough to make it through six hours in Colt’s presence. Please, don’t worry about it.” But it was easier said than done. I was worried about it, and my BFF was right in worrying.

  I wasn’t sure if I would be able to ignore him. I knew seeing him would bring back both pleasant and unpleasant memories. It was just a question of which were going to take over the day.

  “Hey,” Bailey said, “why don’t you ask Jace to go with you?”

  Jace was someone I met at the grocery store. Who said you couldn’t find a date in produce? I had been standing next to the pineapples, trying to find one that was ripe. The problem being that I don’t know how to tell if they are ripe. I started by trying to squeeze them, which didn’t work. Then I tried smelling them; nope, not the solution either. Then a very deep voice said, “Tug a leaf.” Puzzled, I looked around to see who was talking to me, which was when I met Jace. He had been watching me go through my rituals and found it quite funny. When he finally couldn’t take it any longer, he thought he would put me out of my misery by telling me how to pick a ripe pineapple.

  “If you can easily pull out a leaf, then it’s ripe,” he said

  “Good to know, thank you for the suggestion. I’m Rylee.” He took my extended hand and shook it.

  “I’m Jace. Very nice to meet you.”

  That was two months ago, and we’ve gone out several times. Jace is sweet, and we get along well, but I have no desire to have a permanent relationship. I’ve been able to keep our relationship as friends with benefits thing, and it works for us.

  Today, however, I’m standing in front of a full-length mirror dressed in pink. I’m wearing a long, strapless dress with silk layers, and I’m thinking how lucky my friend Baily is to be marrying her fiancé, Chris. For a brief moment, I’m envious of her and what they share. Chris worships her and the ground she walks on, and I wonder if that will ever be me? Then I snap out of it and remember I never want to be that dependent on anyone ever again. I’ve spent the last several years remembering the person I was and want to kick myself upside my head every time I think of how weak I was and what I put myself through being with Colt.

  There were others in the last few years, but I could never give myself over to them. Some were sweet, but most were just a passing phase, and I’m OK with that. I tried dating older men, but found I had nothing in common with them. I tried dating younger men, but found they had no clue who the musical groups or movie stars I was into were. I even dated a guy who thought I was telling him I wanted him to kiss me when I said I loved KISS. I mean really, in what vocabulary do the words “KISS was my favorite band growing up” translate into jump on top of me on my couch and stick your tongue down my throat? I was willing to let that slide; until the pizza guy arrived and my date asked me for my credit card. Needless to say, I never returned his call again. But enough about my sorry love life. Today is about Bailey, and she deserves this more than anyone I know.

  Bailey is beautiful in her white gown with intricate black roses woven into the lace that rests over the top of it. It fits her personality perfectly. Delicate but still edgy. A bit sinner and saint, which describes her to a T. The orange orchard at her parents’ house has been done up to accommodate the wedding, and I couldn’t be happier for her. I turn to face her with tears in my eyes.

  “You ready, my friend? Chris is going to be blown away by how beautiful you look today.” I can see the tears forming in her eyes as she listens to my praise.

  “Rylee, I can’t believe this day has finally come. It hasn’t been easy, and there have been so many times when Chris and I haven’t seen eye to eye about his continued friendship with Colt.” I shake my head and tell her it’s in the past so she should let it be there.

  “Can you handle today, Rylee? I know having Colt here is uncomfortable for you,” she says. “I could tell you were struggling to keep your composure last night at the rehearsal.” I swallow down the lump forming in my throat

  “I was struggling last night, because Colt was an ass.” I tell her not to worry. “I am a big girl, Bailey, I got this.” But I’m not so sure that I do. I was dreading seeing him last night, let alone being in the same room with him today, and last night just solidified why. It’s not like I have feelings for him any longer, but being in the same space as him will only cause drama, I’m sure of it, and I don’t want that to be what Bailey remembers of her wedding day.

  After the rehearsal yesterday, Colt corned me by my car when I was leaving. “You’re looking good, babe.” My skin was crawling with his use of the endearment.

  “Thank you,” was all I could manage to say.

  “I miss you,” he said as his hand reached out to stroke the side of my face. I immediately stepped back like something had burned me. “I think I should pick you up tomorrow, Rylee. We should go together, you and me just as it should be. What do you think?” A dark gaze graced his eyes as he said those words.

  “I don’t think so, Colt. I’ve moved on, and I’m sure you have as well.”

  Jace and I have dated on and off occasionally and I haven’t heard or seen Colt in so long that it shouldn’t be an issue, but deep down in my bones I feel that something is off, and I can’t quite place my finger on what it is. I don’t trust Colt.

  Bailey’s dad comes into the room to let us know it’s time and escorts us out and toward the orchard. I can hear the music playing, and I am looking forward to getting this over with and heading home. I want to be here for my best friend, but I’ve never been good at understanding relationships and the cynic in me questions if two people can find ever lasting love.

  My parents have been married for fifty-five years, but they fight constantly, and the only reason I think they haven’t gotten divorced is that their generation doesn’t believe in it, not to mention that neither of them is willing to give up the farm. So they continue in a marriage of convenience, sleeping in separate rooms and barely speaking.

  There were days when my parents seemed happy and days when I felt like I was watching an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond. My parents are like Frank and Marie; they never see eye-to-eye and argue just to argue, but deep down I don’t think either could live without the other. My mom meddles, and my dad keeps an oblivious eye about everything, trying to avoid having to deal with my mom unless it suits him, which is usually around dinner time or if he needs something washed or ironed. Honestly, there are more days when they fight than when they don’t.

  I make my way down the aisle to the procession music and take my place to the left of the altar. I don’t look at Chris or any of his groomsmen; I just focus my eyes on Bailey and watch her walk to the man who loves her more than life itself. The ceremony is short and sweet, and both of them have tears of joy in their eyes as they exchange their vows. The preacher finishes up his blessing and pronounces them husband and wife. The moment I have been dreading is about to happen; I’m going to be face to face with Colt at the reception. I make my way back up the aisle and into the waiting room, where we meet with the photographer to take wedding party pictures.

  The whole picture process takes about fifteen minutes, and it’s the worst fifteen minutes of my life. I’ve got to pose for pictures and some of them include Colt, who finds it necessary to whisper dirty, insulting words in my ear. When they announce we need to make our way back to the orchard, I have a very bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I find Jace waiting for me, and he can tell something is wrong. I’ve never told him about Colt, but there is a tension in the air that is heavy and hard to miss. When I reach Jace, he doesn’t hesitate to
ask, “Rylee, why is that guy over there staring at you? He’s been watching you all day, and frankly, his anger is giving me the willies.”

  I can see the concern on Jace’s face, but I reassure him that everything is OK, which is when I see Colt making his way over to us.

  “You here with this guy, Rylee?” Colt asks.

  “Yes, Colt, I am. Please don’t make a scene.”

  I’m trying to calm the situation down, because Colt is looking anything but calm right about now. I have no idea why he is so upset; it’s not like we are still dating, and it’s not like I’ve seen him in three years.

  “Who are you?” Colt asks Jace. I can see he is clenching his teeth.

  “I’m Jace, her friend, and who might I ask, are you?”

  “It’s none of your damn business,” Colt replies. I again try to calm him down.

  “Colt, it’s Bailey and Chris’ wedding. Let’s not do anything to ruin their day.” I know it’s futile, but I try anyway.

  “Rylee, you know you should be here with me, that we always said it would be us here representing our best friends.” There is anger in his voice.

  “Colt, that was a long time ago. We were in a different place then. We aren’t together now, and we won’t ever be again, so please let it go.” I stare him straight in the eyes, so there is no confusion about what I am saying. “It was great seeing you again, but Jace and I are leaving before you let things get out of hand. I won’t subject my friends to an embarrassing moment. Chris is your best friend; you should be thinking the same way. Good night.” And with that, I grab Jace’s hand and make my way across the orchard.

  I find Bailey. She is speaking with a few of her co-workers when I politely interrupt her.

  “Bailey, I can’t stay. Colt is starting to act up, and I don’t want your day ruined because of me.” I see the hurt in her eyes.

  “I understand, Rylee. I don’t like it one bit, but I get it. I love you. And thank you for everything you’ve done to make this the most amazing day of my life.” I grab hold of her and hug her tightly. She knows that her husband has a douche bag for a friend who won’t think twice about making a scene and ruining her wedding, so she doesn’t say another word and lets me go.

  As Jace and I make our way through the crowd, he asks if we can share one dance before we leave, and I happily oblige. What can happen in five minutes, I think to myself? Jace and I are dancing to Marry Me by Train, and I look up to see his eyes staring back at me with a look I haven’t seen from him before. It’s like he is looking through me, which feels quite odd. We don’t connect on this level usually, because we both understand what is between us and we don’t worry about expectations that aren’t there, but today something is off. Maybe it’s me and what this whole day represents; maybe I’m the one feeling off, not anyone else.

  “Rylee, you look beautiful tonight, have I told you that?” Jace is looking deeper into my eyes now, and I can feel his hand sliding up my back and landing on my face. He’s holding my head still and licking his bottom lip like he is going to kiss me. I shake and shiver a little from the intense look he is giving me and can’t help but wonder what is going through his mind. Jace lowers his lips to mine and brushes a soft, chaste kiss across them. That’s when I hear Colt say loudly, “Fucker better get his hands off my woman!” I immediately break away from Jace and see Colt glaring at us.

  When the song ends, it takes a few minutes to make it through the crowd of people and say goodnight to all of Bailey’s family. Once we are outside, Jace asks, “Rylee why don’t we take my car and we can come back for your car tomorrow. Bailey’s parents won’t mind.”

  I wanted to have the extra time with Bailey, so I had driven over earlier and asked Jace to meet me here. “I’d prefer not to leave my car behind, Jace. I’ll just meet you at your house.” I can tell he doesn’t like the idea, but he agrees to it anyway. We both wait for the valet to bring our cars around, then we head out to his home separately.

  I’m driving back to Jace’s house not too far behind him when my phone rings and I answer it. It’s Bailey, “Rylee, you need to come back to the house, honey, you left your purse behind.” Shit, she’s right. I wanted to get out of there so fast I forgot to grab my purse from her room. The only reason I have my keys is, because Bailey’s parents hired a valet to park the guests’ cars, and I have my phone, because I asked Jace to hold it for me through the wedding ceremony and take candid pictures for me. “Thanks, Bailey, I don’t know what I would do without you. I’m turning around. I’m just down the road. See you soon,” I tell her. Then I immediately call Jace.

  “Hey, I forgot my purse at the house, so I’m turning back around to get it. I’ll meet you at your house. I won’t be too long.”

  I can hear some underlying hesitation in his voice. “OK, Rylee, do you want me to go back for it? Or at least follow you back to make sure everything is OK?”

  “I’ll be fine, Jace, see you shortly.” I end the call.

  Bailey’s parents live in a very upscale neighborhood in North Scottsdale that borders on the edge of Carefree. This part of town is still quiet and densely populated with no street lights and beautiful views of the valley with two-lane roads that are rarely traveled. I find an area in the road that is wide enough, so I start the process of turning around to head back in the direction I just came from. I can see an SUV coming my way, and it’s coming fast. I know it has to see me making the turn, but still, it isn’t slowing down, and my pulse is starting to race. When it gets close, I recognize the vehicle. It’s Colt’s white SUV. He’s moving even faster now, and before I know it, he crashes into me, sending my car rolling into a ditch until it lands on its top. I’m shaken up, and my seatbelt is pulled taught, not letting me free. I’m hanging upside down and don’t feel right. That’s when I hear his voice.

  “You bitch, you think you can just walk away from me and never look back? You think I’m going to let you just kiss that fucker in front of me and act like it doesn’t bother me?” His voice is getting louder and angrier as he goes on, “Rylee, you’re mine. I told you that years ago. I gave you some space, thinking you’ll be walking back through my door eventually, but you haven’t and I’m tired of waiting. So here you go, bitch. Die in hell, you whore, because if I have anything to say about it, you’ll die here on this back road.” My heart is racing a mile a minute, and I’m seeing flashing lights in front of my eyes. Blood is dripping from my head, and I’m feeling light-headed.

  “Colt, please get me out of here. I know you’re angry, but you have no reason to be. We’ve both moved on.”

  “Fuck you, bitch. I haven’t moved on, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to help you. I told you if I can’t have you, no one will. I’d rather let you die than see you with another man.”

  Oh god, I know this is it for me. I can smell the gas leaking, and I think my arm may be broken. I’m starting to feel faint. If he doesn’t help me get out of this seatbelt, this could very well be my end, and I’m not ready to die yet.

  Then I see lights coming in our direction. Colt sees them as well and without saying another word, he runs to his SUV, gets in, and speeds off. I’m in a ditch, so please, God, let this person help me. I can’t see much now, and I’m dizzy. I haven’t prayed to God in a long time, but now I know I need his help. Please, God, get me out of this alive. Please let this person see me way over here. And just like that, my prayers are answered as the truck pulls over and comes to a complete stop. I hear the door open, then I can hear the crunch of gravel under someone’s feet.

  “Are you OK?” I hear a very husky voice ask me, but I can’t answer; in fact, I can’t move either. I want to say I’m OK, and that I need help, but nothing comes out of my mouth. “Hold tight,” I hear the voice again say to me. “I’ll get you out of here, just hold on,” I hear the voice speak loudly. “This is Braedyn Ellington. I’m on Dynamite Road just east of Pima. There has been an accident, and I need assistance.” The voice pauses for a moment before continuing,
“I have a white female trapped in a car. She appears to be in in her mid-twenties and has suffered a head injury. She is semi-conscious and not responding at the moment. I’ll need assistance. Please dispatch an ambulance.”

  I then hear him make another call. “Scott, it’s me. I’m about a mile and a half down from your house, and there has been an accident. I’ve called dispatch and requested an ambulance, but it will take them a bit to get here. I need your first responder's bag. I don’t have mine with me. Can you hurry, please?”

  “Just hold on,” I hear him tell me. “Help is on its way; just hold on. I’ve got you.” His voice is calming when he tries to let me know that everything is going to be OK, but I don’t think it will be. I still can’t verbalize anything, and I can’t move. When he reaches into the car to cut my seatbelt away, I’m in so much pain I can’t think straight. I can hear him talking to me, telling me everything will be OK, but that is the last thing I hear before everything goes black.

  Braedyn

  WHEN I COME UPON the accident, I’m not sure what I will find. I’ve seen pretty much everything there is to see, but never once have I not been able to compartmentalize my emotions and focus on the situation one hundred percent. When I see a beautiful face all covered in blood, I’m not prepared for the emotions that consume me. Her black hair as dark as a raven to the point of almost being blue and eyes that are a mix of blue and gray are so hypnotic they draw emotions out in me that shouldn’t be there, especially not at a moment like that. I can tell she is scared, and all I can think to myself is that I need to be her protector, that I need to ensure she is safe. What I fucking need to do is get my shit together and assess this situation, or shit could go south quickly. She’s awake, which is a good sign. I can tell she is bleeding from several lacerations on her head, but to what extent, I am not sure just yet. I’m asking her questions, but she isn’t responding to me, which tells me she is in shock. When she blacks out, my heart stops for a brief moment as concern runs through my body. Scott’s on his way, but I know I need to get her out of this car, because it’s apparent that it may catch on fire at any moment. I reach into my pocket and pull out my knife to cut her seatbelt off. She falls into my hands, and it’s like a thousand little shock waves are running up my arms and squeezing my heart when I pull her through the window and away from the wreckage.