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Ollie barely heard the whole story about Philip being Sama, and Allie being in a hospital before he was out the door and on a plane with Ezra and Alton. He and Danny both agreed that I couldn’t go, and that it would be faster to fly instead of drive.
Each hour that passed stretched out into eternity. I felt awful just lying in bed while Allie was in a hospital in California, trying to call for me, but unable to make her voice heard.
I’d thought she’d written us off. I’d thought she’d left us. The guilt sunk hard in me, like a rock that made my whole gut sour as I turned over the heartache to examine it from every angle.
I spent that day and the next morning trying not to check my phone every five minutes, proud of myself when I made it to ten whole minutes without diving for the device.
“I don’t know how you can make sense of this,” Graham said of my book from Finn. I was determined to finish the series, if for no other reason than to occupy my mind so I didn’t go crazy. “It’s written completely in Mer.”
“It’s not so bad. Just a code that needs cracking, characters that need organizing. I totally get into stuff like that.”
“Will you read it to me?”
I quirked an eyebrow at him. “Seriously? I can’t imagine you’d be into love stories about Mermaids and humans.”
His arm was slung low around my hips as we sat on the bed together, giving Boston a much-needed break to refuel. “I’m into anything that’ll keep me from falling asleep.”
“I’m not sure this’ll do it for you, but sure.” I stopped translating and read only from my notes. They had been meticulously scribed so I could read myself the series that was probably no more special than any other love story. Except this was my mountain to climb, and for that reason, I loved it.
Graham was a great audience, letting me read without too much interruptive commentary. It wasn’t until the third chapter that I glanced up and realized his eyes were unfocused, and staring toward the nightstand. “Whatcha thinking about?” I asked, setting the notebook down.
“Truth?”
I shrugged. “Why not?”
“I was wondering what to do about Sama getting inside your mind while you’re asleep. Maybe we could wake you every so often so you get interrupted and he can’t get to you for very long.”
“Huh. It’s not a terrible idea, except for the fact that I’ll eventually need to sleep a full night. Not to be overly dramatic, but growing a human? Tiring.”
“I can imagine it’s slightly more difficult than growing a plant.” He frowned. “I’m sure you don’t want to hear this, but every time Von’s gone away, it’s always been for a good reason.”
I cleared my throat. “As much as I appreciate the pep talk, I don’t think I need it. I’m dealing. There are plenty of single moms who pick themselves up and move on with their baby when the guy splits. I never knew my dad, and I turned out alright.”
Graham pulled me tighter to his side and pressed his temple to mine. I’d quickly learned that Graham was a sweetie pie. He was the gentleman type, which subconsciously made me sit up straighter and speak softer. “Indeed. Though let’s not throw in the towel on Von yet, shall we? Our father was gone, too, and though we grew up alright, I wouldn’t wish that on a child. Especially not my niece.”
I opened the notebook again, fishing for a change of subject. “I appreciate you guys being here for this to help out. It’s a good feeling in the middle of all this black to think of September being close to her uncles.”
A genuine smile lit Graham’s face. “That’s a relief. For all your talk about raising the baby alone, we were worried you’d edge us out, since you’re planning on doing this without Von.”
I picked up Graham’s hand and placed it where September’s tiny little butt was positioned. “Of course I want you guys around for her. But I’m not delusional. I know you have lives. You’re giving up enough just being here.”
“Aw, there’s nowhere I’d rather be. I’ll stay as long as you’ll have me. The IT profession will still be there when I return to the Topsider workforce. And you underestimate how well Ezra pays his employees. He puts a high premium on his daughters’ lives. Terraway spares no expense when it comes to protecting the Omens. This is the best job any Duwende can hope for. The fact that it’s you and September? So much the better. I’ll stay until September graduates university, if that’s what you like.” He rubbed my belly like a crystal ball. “Alton may have to move home again after September comes because his girlfriend’s back in London, but I’ve got nothing holding me anywhere but here. I’m in it for the long haul.”
I kept my head down as my eyes fogged over. “You’ll really stay with us?”
“Oh, darling. Of course I will.” Graham’s lax arm around me coiled and tightened until I was cuddled up to his chest. He even dabbed at my tears with his handkerchief, like a true gentleman. “Oh, there’s no need to cry. Unless, of course, you’re realizing this means you’re also stuck with Boston for the next twenty years.”
I choked out a laugh as Graham held me, realizing I wasn’t all that alone after all.
When my phone beeped that I’d received a text, I jumped and all but lunged for the nightstand, holding my phone so Graham could see.
My heart thudded unsteadily as I read the message from Ollie. Found Allie. She’s got promising brainwaves, but still in a coma. Bringing her home. Should be there tomorrow night.