Until I Knew Myself by Tammy L. Gray

Author:Tammy L. Gray [Gray, Tammy L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction
Publisher: Tammy L. Gray
Published: 2018-03-08T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

The entire trip to Yellowtree took on a slow-motion quality. The building felt too far, the chance of getting to her grandma in time slipping away with each ticking second. Her phone had been on silent for only an hour. Just while she showed art films to her freshman class.

Heart beating loud in her ears, Journey rushed past an aide pushing a wheelchair, straight to the nurses’ station. “I’m here. Where is she? Do you know what set her off this time?” Please say you didn’t drug her. Please, please say I’m not too late.

“I’m sorry, Journey, when we couldn’t get ahold of you, we contacted your next emergency contact.”

Journey’s pulse plummeted. She hadn’t updated the paperwork. Ty was still listed.

“He took her to the rose room, and she is doing much better. Talking. I even heard Victoria cackle.” Carrie winked. “Better watch out or your nana might just make a play for your man.”

There was a part of her that couldn’t move. He came? “So you didn’t drug her?”

“We didn’t have to. Tyler calmed her down right away. He’s been sitting with her for nearly thirty minutes now.” She patted Journey’s trembling hand. “That one’s a keeper.”

Too grateful to feel anything but relief, Journey thanked the woman and walked toward her grandmother’s favorite spot, her steps slowing as she heard their mutual laughter. Their backs were to her, their gazes firmly transfixed on the reds and pinks through the tall window. Tyler pointed at something and must have made another joke because her grandmother laughed, full bodied like she used to before the disease stole her away.

Tears choking her, Journey closed her eyes and wished away the sadness. But instead of relief, she was assaulted with memories of springtime and blankets and picnics. Memories of her favorite place on earth—the hill behind the Kinder’s house where the grass was littered with bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes.

Memories of Ty, propped up on an elbow, watching her. He always watched her. Like she was a gift he didn’t deserve.

That day, he’d picked her a fistful of bluebonnets, even though Beck had told him he’d go to jail for picking one. He’d said her smile was worth any incarceration. Then he’d taken her hand and promised to give her bluebonnets every spring.

This was the first year he hadn’t kept that promise.

Her eyes slowly opened, reality returning like it always did after a dream.

Tyler turned his head, hesitating when he spotted her. He whispered something to her grandmother, lightly squeezed her shoulder and stood from the bench. Hands shoved into his pockets, he made his way over.

As long as she’d known him, Ty kept his hair trimmed, but lately strands of brown hair slightly covered his forehead. The look was charming. The type of style that teased and begged to be swept away.

A wave of sadness rolled through her. She used to be able to touch him without thought or premeditation. Now she had no idea what was allowed or appropriate.

“Hey,” he said and moved slightly closer.

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