Page 48 of That Summer

“There’s your answer.”

“What? I didn’t even answer.”

“Precisely.”

No!

The need to stand and put distance between Kaitlyn and her honesty washed over her.

I love Nate and I’ve missed every single day that I could’ve–should’ve–been with him.

She stepped towards the patio door and searched the parking lot. Lucas’ car was noticeably absent.

No, my heart belongs to Nate. But what about Lucas? What will become of us when I get back with Nate? Will he still come around?

The thought of him suddenly vanishing from her life frightened her.

She needed to walk. Back and forth she paced, looping between the living room and kitchen. It felt good, the movement was necessary. Deep within her soul, the rumblings of a panic attack built.

Walk it off. Keep going. Shake it off.

She paced the tiny length of her galley kitchen. Back and forth.

Kaitlyn’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Aurora?”

She tried to brush her off. “Give me a minute.”

“What’s going on?”

“I’m trying to prevent a panic attack.”

She touched Aurora’s arm. “What can I do?”

“Nothing.” She removed Kait’s hand. Her touch wasn’t the comfort Aurora wanted, or craved, or needed.

Oh, geez I really am falling for him.

“Just give me space.”

Kaitlyn stepped to the side, her glare piercing as she walked past.

Aurora shook her hands as if trying to shake away the energy building. Her heart raced, her breathing quickened.

Lucas. Lucas would know how to calm me. But I need to stop depending on that. I need to do this on my own. I need to focus on something else. The Xanax. I have one. Somewhere.

Needing to dispense the energy, she made her way down the hall.

She searched through her bathroom. Through her bedroom. Under stacks of papers. On top of piles of clothes.

“Where the hell is it?”

The search continued in the main bathroom as cupboard doors opened and slammed shut. There had to be one little pill left. Out in the main area, she dumped the contents of her purse in hopes of uncovering the container. Nothing.

Fuck!

Lucas would probably have all the answers. He’d know what to do.

But I can’t call him. I can do this on my own. Where’s the fucking pill?