In Your Time novel Chapter 23

*Braden’s POV*

Tara Baker.

Tara and I had a complicated history. She was the first girl I ever loved. We actually grew up together. I used to do anything and everything she wanted. After I confessed my feelings for her, she moved and started dating someone else before cutting off all contact with me. I felt so used and betrayed at the time, but that was a few years ago. Just when I thought everything was going great, Tara had to reappear. I didn't think too much of it when I introduced Phoenix to her. I just wanted to show her that I was doing fine without her. I It was only later when Phoenix told me in her room that I realized I'd hurt her too. I knew she'd gone quiet, but I never thought it was because of me. Tara made my brain stop working once again. When Phoenix asked me to leave, I responded on reflex and hugged her. Standing there with my arms wrapped around her waist made my heart jump into my throat. I didn't realize how much I actually cared for Phoenix until now.

"Phoenix, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking in the moment. I wasn't trying to hurt you," I said sincerely. I really hoped that she felt my sincerity.

"If you have no intention of being more than friends with me, I suggest letting me go," she said. I could tell she was still upset, and a simple hug wouldn't fix this.

"Well you are my fiancé," I joked to try and lighten the mood. I readjusted my arms around her instead of letting go. In reality, I didn't want to just be friends with Phoenix.

After a moment, she disappeared. I thought it would be like last time where she only went transparent for a moment, but this was different. She fully disappeared into thin air. My eyes widened as I stared at the empty bed. There was evidence that she'd actually been there. The damp cloth was now on the pillow and the covers were there too. I moved the cloth and pulled the covers down. I stared at the bed and waited as my leg shook from anxiety. I was nervous and worried. Where could she have disappeared to? It was about five minutes before her body returned to the position it was in before she disappeared. And just like last time, she appeared again out of thin air. She was still unconscious though. I had a sneaking suspicion that whatever was happening to her is what caused her bruises. I hesitated before I lifted her sundress to expose her stomach. It was worse than the first two times she had them. It looked like someone coated her stomach in purple and black paint. A few of her ribs even looked out of place. I sighed and balled my fists.

She needed to go to the hospital, but whatever was happening to her, she didn't want any questions being asked. Plus, I had no way to explain what was happening either. What would I even say? She disappeared into thin air then just came back like this? I put her dress back in its place before lifting her shoulders gently to get an ice pack behind her back. After laying her down, I put the other pack on her stomach and placed the cold compress on her head. Why was she always making me worry? I pulled the blanket over her before pulling up a chair and sitting by her side. All I could do was wait.

Hours passed. She still wasn't waking up. At the very least, she was still breathing, but even that was ragged. I couldn't wait any longer. I got up and went downstairs to find my dad. I know she didn't want anyone to ask any questions, but I couldn't just let her be in the state she was in. It had me worried to death.