Chapter 12

12

She was starting to lag behind him. Gene didn’t know much about how long someone could go without insulin, especially walking like this. He stopped walking.

Looked at her. “You keep going, Chantal Fields. We’re going to get home. I promise.”

Blue eyes looked at him. Blue eyes filled with fear. “I don’t know how much longer I can do this, Gene. I just... don’t. I’ve never come this close... except the day I passed out and Genny took me to the hospital and I found out I was diabetic in the first place.”

He pulled her close. “Put your arms around my neck.”

“What are you doing?”

“If you can’t walk, honey, I’m going to carry you. I’m not stopping until I get you home.”

“You can’t carry me. You’re hurt.”

“Please, I’ve gotten hurt more wrestling with Guthrie, and he’s just a pansy nerd.” Gene ignored the bruises. He scooped her closer. She felt so... insubstantial in his arms. “Put your legs around my waist.”

“Gene, you’ll hurt yourself even more.”

“I don’t care. I’m not letting you go. I’m going to get you home. No matter what. And then... I’ll be there. And we’ll know we’re both okay. I’m not leaving you behind, no matter what. Hold on to me, baby girl. Hold on to me. I’m not going to lose you now. I’m not.”

He didn’t know if she’d heard him or not. Her head had fallen to his shoulder. Her eyes were closed.

And she didn’t say another word.