Left Behind by Jayton Young Page A

sub-consciously, but you both obvious ly think I can’t handle myself.’
    He thought about it for a minute and looked down, realizing I was right.
    “I’m sorry; I’ve never really seen it like that. I see what you’re saying, and I promise to try to do better. I’m sure James will too, if you talk to him about it.”
    ‘ I will. I’m sorry I blew up, and I’ll go apologize to James too, but can I ask y ou to work on something for me?’ I asked.
    “You know I’ll do whatever I can for you. No need to ask, just tell me.”
    ‘ Do you have anything that has a recording of my voice on it you could mimic? I was going to see if you could make the voice of my keyboard sound like mine used to .’ I signed, thinking of the idea I had earlier.
    “As a matter of fact, I do. I was looking at some of our home videos a couple of days ago. I’m sure I could copy it off of that.” He tilted his head to the side, trying to figure me out without having to ask, but was unable to. A smile spread on my face, knowing he wouldn’t be able to let the question go. He sighed, letting curiosity get the better of him. “You know what I’m going to ask.”
    ‘ I was trying to see if you could let it go with not knowing the reason.’ I signed, laughing silently. ‘ I want Tory to be able to hear my voice while he’s in a coma. I’m hoping that between me and his brothers, we’ll be able to bring him out of it.’
    Jordan nodded his head in understanding, got up, and held his hand out to help me up from the bed. I got up and followed him back into the kitchen to make peace with James. I love my brothers too much to hold grudges. Life is definitely too short.

Chapter 7
    It was just before lunchtime the same day, and Toby had made his way back over to my house. We , along with Jordan, were making a list of supplies, equipment, and furniture needed to bring Tory home. Toby had been watching me closely and I was getting uncomfortable with him staring at me.
    “ You look worn out, Pea. Why don’t you go get some rest while we get this organized?” He said. “Troy will be coming in on the two o’clock flight, and I’ll be heading out. I’ll come back with Tory when he’s ready for transfer.”
    ‘ No, I don’t sleep unless I can’t help it, and I want to be with you until you leave.’ I signed. I knew I didn’t really explain to him my need to stay awake, so I knew the questions and lecture would be coming.
    He must have seen some kind of expression on my face because he laughed and took my hand in his. “No, I’m not going to lecture you, but we will be talking as soon as Jordan and I get done ordering the deliveries for this stuff.” He then let go of my hand and pulled up the list of local medical supply marts to call to start the ordering.
    I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. I trusted Toby, that wasn’t the problem. The problem was that I was ashamed. If I had waited for my boys to get home before I started dating, I would have had some back up here , and none of the bad things would have happened . I would never be able to date any of them because I couldn’t choose between them. I loved them each for different reasons, and I knew that they loved me too, but I would never want to come between them.
    With Jordan on his laptop and Toby on the phone, I didn’t want to disturb them, so I typed on the keyboard that I was going for a walk. I knew Toby would come find me when he got done.
    I headed to the fridge first to get a Red Bull, and then I headed out the kitchen door to the back deck. I was so tired. I hadn’t really slept for four days, and I knew I was about to crash. I gulped down the energy drink, made sure my phone was in my back pocket, and started walking. I made it to the creek in no time, but I knew if I stopped, I would fall out, and I didn’t want that. I texted Toby and Jordan to let them know I was going to the loft on the ranch. I wanted to be alone for a while, and if I was