River
When Huff shows up at the hospital, he has me meet him in the stairwell outside by the garage. I have to sneak out because there are news crews everywhere. The police are here, too, just hoping to nab Huff for breaking into the jail. I can’t believe this is happening.
I meet him in the designated spot, finding him leaning against a wall, looking calm and cool and sexy as ever. My heart lights up when I see those crisp blue eyes filled with so much love for me.
Then I notice his mouth. The corners are turned down. His shoulders are hunched forward a little. He’s in pain.
Oh no. Oh no. It’s happening. I rush to him, and he folds me into his arms.
I don’t know what to say. If he’d just take the damned formula, he’d have more time. Then we could figure this out together. “You can’t die on me, Huff.”
He holds me tighter.
I want him to say something, like he’s got a solution. He’s found a way to fix everything.
“Even if I wanted to change my mind,” he says, “the lab was only able to make enough for forty people. Three-month supply. Morris made sure one of the ingredients is impossible to get. They’ll need his help to find a work-around if they want more, and I doubt he’s going to cooperate.”
I pull away from Huff and rest my hand on his big arm. He feels so strong. How is he dying?
“Then take Keni’s dose. I don’t know how we’re going to get it to her anyway. She’s locked up.”
“That’s not my problem. I did my part. But I’m not taking it, River. You don’t know what’s been going on inside my head, so you’ll have to trust me when I say you wouldn’t be safe around me. For real this time.”
I shake my head. “You’re a good guy, Huff. Nothing’s ever going to change that.”
He hands me the bag sitting on the ground. “The formula’s not supposed to get cold, so make sure no one refrigerates it.”
I want to scream. I want to cry. How’s it possible that Huff is giving up?
He gazes down on me, and now I see the pain he’s hiding behind his eyes.
“Kiss me,” I say.
He does. His mouth is warm and soft, his kiss demanding. I wish we could be together just once. I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want him. Somehow, though, I know it would only make this harder. Once would never be enough. I need forever because it’s what my heart believes we deserve.
“There are so many things I want to tell you, River, but—”
“It’s him! Mr. Ferris! Mr. Ferris!” A mob of reporters bursts through the door and rushes into the stairwell. We start climbing, but another group is coming down.
I look at Huff. He stares back.
“What do you want to do?” I ask. He can get out of here if he wants.
He takes my hand and faces the group below us.
“Mr. Ferris! How do you feel about being called Ultra Mega Nerd Boy?”
“That’s what you want to ask me?” Huff says, his voice deep and strong. Like him. Like he’s always been. “I’m about to die, and that’s what the world needs to know? How about this instead: My name is Hudson Ulysses Ferris, but everyone calls me Huff. And when I was in the ninth grade…”
Huff goes on to tell everyone about Joy, about the people who killed her and then covered it up. He tells them that his only regret was not stepping up when he had the chance. “I hope someone will come forward and finally give my sister justice.”
“What do you have to say about the drug that made you into a superhero. Is it true?” one woman asks, shoving her microphone in his face.
Huff looks uncomfortable. He removes the red cape I made him wear and hands it to me. “I’m not a superhero. And the drug I was exposed to doesn’t turn anyone into that. It’s a death sentence. So, for anyone who’s really listening, all you need to know is that you don’t need muscles and special drugs to change your life. You only have to be brave. That’s it. If your sister needs you, you run and get her back. If your best friend is in trouble, you get in your car and be by her side. If people are trapped in a building, you do what you can to help.”
I like what Huff is saying, and I understand his point, but he’s being too humble. “I have something to say. This guy is all heart. That’s what makes him special. His nickname should be Ultra Mega Love. Not Nerd Boy.”
Huff smiles. “That sounds a little wimpy, River.”
“Fine. Mr. Ultra Mega Love.”
“Better. Now, if you all don’t mind, I need to see my family before I’m arrested or drop dead.”
Huff turns—and then stops.
He looks at me with wide blue eyes and presses his hand over his heart.
“Huff!” I scream.
He falls to the ground.
“Someone get a doctor,” I yell to the reporters. I crouch next to him, taking his hand. “Don’t go, Huff. I love you. Don’t go.”