Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(86)

asks anxiously.

A squeeze to his hand. “It’s a co-ed dorm, silly.

They won’t know you don’t just live there.”

We’re about ten steps from the front door when my roommate comes barreling towards us. I catch her just as she’s about to plow

into me head first, and up close, I can see she’s a mess. Her body is shaking, tears rolling down her face and her lip is

quivering.

“Bennett, what’s wrong?!” I shake her by the shoulders but she doesn’t answer. Suddenly holding her becomes a strain, she’s

like dead weight, and thankfully Evan reacts quickly and reaches out to grab her seconds before she would’ve hit the cold

pavement.

“Bennett, answer me! What the hell is wrong?” I’m screaming now, scared out of my wits. My phone starts ringing, and I’m really

hoping its Tate, telling me they had a silly fight and he’s on his way to get her. “Evan, you got her?” He nods, so I let go and

dig out my phone.

“Hello?”

“Laney, its Zach. Listen, Sawyer just got a call and we’re headed out now. Where are you right now?”

“In front of the dorm, why?”

“I need you to get Bennett, Laney. Can you go get Bennett?” His words are staccato, like he’s talking to a three year old.

“I’m here with Bennett now and she’s wigging out. What’s going on?” The irritation at all the mysterious hysteria is starting

to show in my voice.

“It’s Tate. He’s been in a wreck, Laney. I need you to get Bennett and head to Mercy, okay? Can you do that?”

“Is he okay?” My voice now a whisper, I have to fight for the nerve to ask my next question. “And D-Dane? Was he—was he with

him?”

Somehow I’m able to register Evan’s hand taking mine. Looking up, I see he’s literally carrying Bennett with one arm and leading

me to the parking lot with the other. “Zach—” I struggle to find the words again. “Zach, was he with him?”

He exhales loudly. “I don’t know, sweetie. I haven’t heard about him, just Tate. Sounds bad, Laney, can you get there? Do I need

to come get you girls?”



I glance around me aimlessly; does he need to come get us? “No, no. I’m in Evan’s truck. Bennett’s—” I look, Bennett’s in

the backseat. “We’ll be there as soon as we can.” Evan takes my phone so I let my head fall against the window.

“Laney! Laney, snap out of it!”

I come to and see Evan’s eyes filled with worry. I don’t know how long it’s been, but we seem to be at the hospital already.

“Help your friend, Laney, she needs you. Be my strong girl, come on.” He guides me out of the truck, one arm never leaving me as

he manages to get Bennett out as well.

“Here man, let me help you.” I turn when I hear the voice, it’s Zach.

“Zach! Zach, how are they? How’s Tate? Dane?” I’m shaking him, grabbing his t-shirt in my fists.

“Listen to me, Laney,” he whispers in my ear, pulling me into his chest in one firm movement. “Dane is absolutely fine, he wasn

’t hurt. But Tate was, so pull your shit together right now, for Bennett. Do you hear me?” He jolts me, squeezing me harder. “Do

you hear me?”

“Yes.” I suck up my tears and runny nose. “Yes, I hear you.” I pull from his grasp, turning behind me and grabbing Bennett’s

hand. “Bennett, I’m here.” I take a final swipe at my face, drying the tears with my sleeve. “I got you, Bennett. You ready to

go inside?”

Her green eyes are lifeless, dead, no recognition.

She’s a zombie on her feet, in shock.

“Zach?” I reach behind me and blindly find his shirt, pulling him forward. “Lean on Zach, Bennett. He’s gonna take you in and I

’m gonna be right beside you.” I give Zach a nod, urging him to get her moving.

Turning to find Evan, I grab his hand. “Thank you, Ev, for being here, for helping.”

“Of course, princess.” He hugs me. “Of course. Let’s go check on your friend.” He kisses my hair before we head in.

Sawyer, Kirby, and Avery are huddled together in the corner, the girls comforting Sawyer as his head hangs between his knees. I can

see his huge shoulders shudder from here and find myself crying again at the sight of his pain. I run to him, dropping to my knees.

I lift his head to look at me, offering him a weak smile. I had my lapse on the way over, now I’ve got to be strong for these

wonderful people who’ve grown so dear to me.

“Saw, I’m here buddy. Gidget’s here, Saw, it’s gonna be alright.” His navy, watery eyes are rimmed in red but soften when my

voice registers, and all at once I’m buried in his embrace. I murmur words of assurance to him, stroking his short hair until he

finally calms enough to sit, keeping me in his lap.

“Have we heard anything?” I look to Kirby and Avery as I ask, both of them shaking their heads. “Sawyer, Kirby’s gonna sit with

you, okay?” I give her a look and she moves to us. “Just while I check on things, okay?” He doesn’t answer but loosens his grip