33. Sooner than Expected
33
SOONER THAN EXPECTED
WYATT
O dette broke into tears over our complicated situation. She was in a dress, shivering with bare legs. We were on the side of a perilous, icy road. She appeared paralysed. I had been, too. Until I realised we were all okay, I had seen it all flash before me. This was how it ended, right? It was okay, though.
“Odie, it’s going to be okay.” I rubbed her back.
She turned, looking so broken. Her walls came down.
“Wyatt, you need to get home to Theo. It’s my fault. This is all my fault.”
“Do you control ice storms now?” I asked. “Odette, it’s not your fault. Sweetheart, it’s no one’s fault. We’re okay—a little shaken but safe. We need to venture to town slowly. Grieg will freeze out here.”
I knew mentioning the dog would help. If I could keep her focused, she would come back down.
“I need my bag! I need my bag immediately!”
It was more panic. I recognised the signs. She was having an anxiety attack. Odette’s breathing picked up to the point of wheezing. Unfortunately, her security team couldn’t do anything.
“Where is her luggage?” I demanded.
“In the tailer car,” one answered.
“The Princess asked for a bag. Someone needs to get it.”
“Sir, we?—”
Odette descended, crouching on the ground, unable to breathe. Did no one understand she was having a panic attack? These people had zero compassion. It was my number one frustration with Neandians. Here was one of their own, flailing. I sensed what was in her bag was a medication she needed to take.
I handed the dog off to the nearest guard. “Keep him warm. Take him to the car with the bags, and we will follow.”
He didn’t argue.
I dropped to Odette’s level, rubbing her back, and spoke calmly. “Odette, sweetheart, let’s get you to the car. You can decompress in the warmth. We will get your bag, okay? You’re just in shock, and you’re having a panic attack. Come on.”
“I cannot… I cannot,” she gasped.
I ignored all logic and picked her up, gingerly carrying her to the car while she sobbed. It was ridiculous, and I’m sure she felt embarrassed, but staying out in such cold on an icy road wasn’t safe. I settled her into her seat and turned to security again. They’d found her hand luggage, knowing somehow what this was about.
“Medication?” I asked. “I assume you have something?”
One nodded and handed me a strip of tablets.
“Water?” I asked. They scrambled to produce some.
Odette swallowed the tablet and rested in the foetal position with Grieg in her lap. She held onto him so tightly. He remained steady, looking up at her very protectively. He knew she needed him. No wonder she preferred to take him everywhere. Sensing her embarrassment, I wanted her to know there was no reason to worry.
“Driver, can we just move along? We are the least safe parked here.”
The driver nodded.
“Odette, let’s buckle you up.” I helped clip the safety belt.
We rolled along, Odette averting my gaze.
“I have panic attacks,” I said. “Not as much anymore. But I did. It’s okay. Lots of people have them. You don’t need to feel bad.”
“I feel bad about keeping you from Theo.”
“Oh, sweetheart, that’s not a problem. It sucks. I feel like shit about it, but it’s hardly your fault. I came all this way for the summit—not for you. I was the one who suggested we leave after the last panel rather than after lunch. Blame me—not yourself. You’re fine.”
“I’m not fine.”
She wasn’t. I didn’t want to invalidate her.
“I’m a head case. You shouldn’t?—”
“You’re human, Odie,” I said. “Like all of us. And this was a traumatic situation. Don’t feel bad. Really.”
Odette looked over, mascara smeared and running. “I am so sorry. If you never want to speak with me again, I understand. I would rather die than ever discuss this once more.”
“Odette, if I’m in your life in any capacity, I’m here for you.” I squeezed her hand. “And that thought never crossed my mind, sweetie. Never, not once. Maybe we’ll get some dinner and have that first night out sooner than expected.”
Her lips curled ever so slightly. That brought her back.