To Save You by Rebeca Ruiz Page B

what they had and I genuinely think I could have that with Presley. I know I am in love with her.
    Last week when I saw her hurting herself, it was like she was hurting me. She didn’t even notice me come in. I saw the razor blade slice her skin and she barely even flinched. It was my fault, I tried making her jealous. I knew she saw, I saw her leave with Finn. I went to her dorm to explain to her I wanted her back. I was so drunk.
    I watched her sleep all night. She looked so peaceful asleep. I knew then how much help she really needed. I wanted to help her.
    Ashton was right. I couldn’t help her alone. I had to tell James and her parents. She would hate me, but at least it would mean that she is getting help. Presley will have to face her fears and I will do my best to stand by her.
     
    “What’s going on?” James asks.
    He’s got his boot off, but he still needed the crutches to get around. I looked to the floor, afraid to look at him.
    “Presley and I were dating.”
    “Okay.” I look at him. He didn’t look phased.
    “You knew.” It wasn’t a question.
    “I’m very observant, and you two weren’t as careful as you two thought. I’ve known for a while.” He smiled.
    “Oh.” I feel relief knowing he wasn’t going to beat the crap out of me for dating his sister behind his back.
    “You said were. What happened?”
    Then I explained to James everything that’s been going on with Presley. Even her bad day. Especially her bad day. At one point she thought she wanted to die, and I can’t lose her. I want her healthy and happy.
    James immediately got on the phone with his parents. I waited patiently until he got off. Presley was going to hate me, and I’ll take her hate. I hate myself for not telling her brother sooner, for letting her convince me not to say a word.
    James came back into the living room. He couldn’t look at me, and I didn’t blame him. I’ve had this secret for two months. Finally, his eyes meet mine.
    “They’re coming tomorrow to take her away. Don’t talk to her, she’ll know something is up. You did the right thing by telling me.”
    “Where are they taking her?”
    “I don’t know, yet.” James has a tell when he lies or is bluffing. He scratches his right ear, and he was doing it now. He was lying to me.
    “What are your parents thinking?”
    He sits down. “They just want to help her. They’re going to find the best hospital for her, probably inpatient until they can figure out what exactly is going on.”
    I sigh and put my face in my hands. James pats me on the back. “You did the right thing coming to me.”
    “I should have told you sooner.”
    “You really like her, huh?” I nod.
    “I do.” More like love, but I don’t think I am ready to admit that right now. Especially not to her brother.
    “I hope you know Finn is a distraction to her. He’s her best friend, and he thinks he’s perfect for her because he knows her. I’ve seen the way Presley looks at him, they will never work out as a couple.” That made me feel a lot better.
    “Thanks.”
     
    Presley was sitting in my room the next day. James had class, so he wasn’t here. She was sitting on my bed, and she had a look of determination on her face.
    “What are you doing here?” I knew her parents were packing up her room currently because she was supposed to be in class.
    “I want you, Mathew.” Her eyes were filled with sexual desire. I set my backpack down and I crossed my arms.
    “You’re with Finn.”
    “No, I’m not.” She takes off her shirt.
    Fuck. She wasn’t wearing a bra, her perfect tits were staring at me straight in my face. I tried to keep my eyes on her blue ones.
    “Presley.” She stands and shimmies her jeans down along with her underwear.
    “I’m offering myself to you. I am in a good state of mind right now. Please.” I took the few steps to her and I kissed her even though I knew I shouldn’t.
    I was being selfish. I knew I may not see her for months, or