In an Instant by Adrienne Torrisi

everyone leaves, and it’s just me and Jake alone. Alone, alone. At least, it feels like we are alone.
    He embraces me as our bodies connect. We move slowly to the rhythm of the music, picking up speed to match the beat of the song. I forget about Jeff, Ben, Kari, Mel, Marcus—everyone.
    We have been dancing so much we are both a sweaty mess. Our movements are perfectly in sync as always. He glides his strong hands over my body, his breath on my neck, his lips on my skin. We are both moving so fast everything is in and out, a strobe light of motions.
    “I want to show you something.” Jake locks his fingers with mine as he guides me into a deep corner of the club. There, hanging from the ceiling, is a giant hammock.
    I’m not sure if this is real or just my imagination, but then I look to my left, and there is hammock after hammock. This place is incredible.
    In the blink of an eye, Jake is splayed out on one of the hammocks with his hands resting behind his head as if he’s on the beach in the Caribbean.
    Without hesitation, I nestle into him, a feeling of love overwhelming me. I have never felt love like this—so deep, so pure. Jake and I have known each other almost our entire lives, and I have always loved him, but I don’t think I ever realized how much until a few weeks ago.
    He curls his arms around me until I’m pressed against his body. My head is resting on his chest as he runs his hands over my hair. I love feeling his fingers glide through it as they break my tangles free. I love feeling the steady beat of his heart against my cheek. Then he kisses the top of my head.
    This moment is so intimate, his kiss so caring I feel like we are the only two people in the entire world, and I don’t think it has anything to do with the Molly.
    “We need to tell them.” I didn’t even realize we weren’t saying anything until I hear his voice.
    On those words, my eyes meet his, and I shake my head. “I don’t know.”
    I love him, and he loves me, but I also love Marcus and Mel, and I don’t want to hurt them.
    “I have to. I can’t pretend anymore. I’ve always cared about you, but it’s never been more clear. I love you, Daniella. You . I love you!” he shouts out to the sky.
    “I love you, too!” I shout out to match Jake and override the music that is still blaring. No one is here except Jeff and Ben, and thanks to the Molly, Ben hasn’t served anyone drinks in a while. Jeff’s tunes seem to be on autopilot. He knows exactly why we are both preoccupied with only each other.
    “I called you both a ride.” Kari comes over with a smile. She looks tired yet still just as perfect as she did a few hours ago. She eyes us, definitely knowing there is more going on between us, but she’s too cool to say anything. “Dax is on his way back.” I can tell her words are laced with a warning, which I appreciate.
    “You’re a cool chick, Kari.” Jake says what I’m thinking. “Thanks for tonight. And thank Jeff and Ben for us, too.” He winks, no flirtation attached, just pure gratitude and a little underlying hint of how much Jeff actually provided.
    “I’ll be sure to thank Jeff. He must like you,” she says with a smile that makes it clear she knows. “He reserves the good stuff for special friends.” She winks back then turns to walk away.
    “Hey, guys,” we hear Dax.
    It seems like Kari walked away seconds ago, but I truly have no idea how much time has passed with me lying here in Jake’s arms.
    Dax eyes Jake as if asking a million questions with just one look. He doesn’t say anything, and neither do we. There is just a silent understanding that passes between the three of us.

 
     
     
    Chapter Eleven
    Present – Hospital
     
    I open my eyes, unsure if I’m really awake. I see my mom and Hanna’s Dad standing over my bed. Hanna’s dad is a minister, which makes my stomach drop as soon as my eyes land on him. It must be bad if he’s here. Nate said I was fine.
    “Am I dead?”
    My