Chapter 84

After my appointment all I want to do is sleep. Carter apparently has other ideas though as he paces the floor of my bedroom with a hand on his temple.

Sighing I lay back against the headboard and wait. I can see the storm brewing behind his eyes.

"Want to tell me what the hell you were thinking making a choice like this on your own?" He asks finally, not looking at me.

"I was thinking 'Oh shit. I'm all alone.'" I state flatly.

"This isn't a fucking joke, Cassandra." He snaps.

"What a relief, I was really thinking it was."

"Stop doing that!" He growls.

"Do you think it's been easy for me? Do you even understand what I have had to pound into my daughter's head in case of emergency? It isn't something I decided overnight."

"You should have told me as soon as you found out."

"It's not something you say over the phone, Carter. Or email."

"My mother could have told me."

"No, I asked her not too. She begged and pleaded but I said no. This has nothing to do with her. It doesn't even have anything to do with you really."

"How is that?" He cocks his head.

"We aren't together. I am carrying your children. It ends there."

He blanches like I hit him. We both know it's the truth though.

"Is that what you honestly think? That I only care because of the babies?" He asks softly.

"That is the only reason you have to care anymore. You made that choice. Not me. Remember?" I arch my brow.

I'm a bitch. I know this.

"Don't throw that in my face. I was not in a good place when I left."

"Neither was I!" I shout.

Sighing he nods to himself.

"You expect me to sit and watch you die then?"

"Yes, that's the plan. Thank you for catching on so quickly." I snark.

"Then tell me the fucking plan! You won't tell me anything."

"The plan is to deliver before the due date. A Cesarean. It's not the safest option but it gives us the upper hand."

"They're worried about you bleeding to death, but they want to cut you open?" He speaks slowly.

"I trust her. That's the most important thing."

"No. It isn't because clearly you aren't taking this seriously enough. That is a terrible idea!"

"You aren't going to change my mind."

"Do you think I don't know that? Because I do."

"Then let it go. I'm tired." I sigh.

"For someone so smart you are acting fucking stupid."

"Go ahead, call me names. Yell at me and throw your ass."

"You don't get it do you? Of course, you don't." He laughs.

"I am doing this with or without you. I don't need you." I snap.

"You have never needed anyone. That's the scariest part. You are so ready to give your life up. What about Ang? Your mother? Greyson?"

"Don't do that. It won't work."

"What about me? You're leaving me alone with two fucking babies!"

"You won't be alone. You have an entire village behind you."

"Do I? Because I have ALWAYS been on the outside looking in."

My face falls at his words. Is that really what he feels? Before I can respond he's leaving and slamming my door behind him. Groaning I lay down and close my eyes.

Getting up in the morning I take a shower and notice some blood running down the drain. Blowing out a breath I close my eyes. Not yet. Please.

I suck in a sharp breath shutting the water off and getting dressed. Ang isn't here yet, so I call Kai first.

"Hey." He says down the line.

"Don't panic." I breathe.

"Cass? What's wrong?" He panics making me growl.

"I need you to keep Ang for the day. Okay?"

"Tell me what's happening." Squeezing my eyes shut I shake my head. I don't have time for this.

"I have to go. I'll call you in a while." I say hanging up. Making my way out the door of my room I find the house empty. Perfect. "Guess I'm driving then." I mutter grabbing my keys.

Taking back roads and pulling off when the pain gets too unbearable.

I pull into the emergency parking when a wave of dizziness hits me. Laying on the horn I try to push past it.

"Cassandra? What is it?" Amy asks opening my door and heaving me into a wheelchair.

Doubling over in pain I cry out.

She pushes me inside quickly calling for help and when my vision clears, I see a trail of blood behind us.

"In here." Carson pants opening a door. "Cassandra, are you with me sweetie? We have to get started. Where is Carter?"

"Don't know." I whimper as a nurse helps me into the bed.

"Someone, call him. NOW." She demands.

"Amy." I murmur grabbing her hand.

"I'm here honey."

"Don't leave me." I beg.

"I have to hook you up. I won't leave. Try to relax."

I think I nod but I could be wrong. She talks to me while she works.

Whimpering she squeezes my hand.

"Help." I murmur.

"We are sweetie. We are. I promise."

"Is she ready?" Carson asks.

"Done." Amy nods.

"Cassandra, I'm taking you up now. We're out of time. We're trying to get ahold of Carter."

I don't respond. I can't. I'm tired.

They wheel me into the elevator and that's the last thing that I remember.