Page 11 of Beyond the Stix
“It’s time, Connor. We have to say goodbye.” Mom’s words penetrate.
Fuck. Sheisgoing to take Dad off of life support. I want to tell herhell no. In the back of my head, I’m screaming for my father to wake up and open his eyes.
Staring down at my mother’s watery blood-shot eyes, I have to face reality. My father is gone and I have to make peace with that.
Peace. I will never hear his voice again. His booming laughter. Or his gruff tone when he’s angry at me. And that’s a gut-punch I’ll feel for the rest of my life.
“Connor?” My name as she says it is broken, but I can’t answer her. “Want to call the guys, so they can say their goodbyes?” Mom’s voice is as strained as the tightness in my chest. I’m about to burst from the pain of holding in my anger and regret.
I look at my father’s still form, and swallow down the tears. “I’ll ask John to call them.” Out of the corner of my eye, I see John take out his cell phone and put it to his ear.
“Okay. I’ll let the nurse know my decision, then I’m going home to make some calls.” She gives me a hard hug which adds another layer of ache to my heart. “I love you, Connor.”
“I love you, too, Mom,” I utter back, the vise gripping my throat strangles my words.
Like she promised, Mom leaves, but I don’t move from my spot next to my father’s bed. Not much later, John informs me that the band have arrived. One by one, my friends walk in and say their final farewells to my dad.
Each one had a special connection with him, and I don’t have to imagine how they are feeling, since their dejected faces mirror my own.
He was always the go-to man for anything we needed. And I loved him profoundly for being there for me and the band. Even with our differences in our beliefs about life, I know my father loved me wholeheartedly, and cared deeply for my bandmates.
It’s nearing four in the afternoon when my mother calls and tells me tomorrow morning at nine a.m. will be the time. I have no words for her, except forokay.
I decide to stay by my father’s side. Just in case.
Danny and Tobias walk into the room. “We’re going to dinner.”
“I don’t want to eat,” I reply, keeping my eyes on my father. But Danny isn’t having it.
“I promise, your father isn’t going anywhere.” Danny drags me off the chair.
I glare at him and call out, “Tobias, can you do something about your stubborn boyfriend?” I glance angrily over at the tall man whose stoic face says nothing. Then I turn to my bodyguard. “John?”
“I’m sorry, Connor, but I have to side with Danny,” John says evenly.
“Of course you do. Traitor,” I hiss. As much as I want to fight them, my empty stomach is begging for food.
“Come on.” Danny tightens his hold on my hand and tugs me along.
I could easily yank out of his hold, but I don’t. Instead, I let him lead me down the hall toward the elevators. John’s presence at my back gives me some peace of mind, which sounds ridiculous when I have my best friend with me. Right?
“Where’re the guys?” I finally ask, as we pass the empty waiting room.
“They’re heading to Callum’s parents’ house. They’re out of town and gave us permission to use their place. The guys are tired, and hungry—like me.” Danny pushes the down button of the elevator. “Besides, I want to talk to you alone.”
“About what?” I don’t look at Danny, not yet. Still, I can feel his eyes lasered onto the side of my face.
“Don’t play the stupid card with me, Connor. I’ve known you practically all your life. You didn’t tell me everything about that night, did you?”
Before I can retort, the elevator opens, and the four of us step inside the empty space and John presses the button for the cafeteria’s floor.
“No,” I admit, but my attention never leaves John.
“I want to know what that bastard did to you,” Danny grates out.
John’s body goes solid, but I remain silent, and Danny clues in. He understands that I don’t want John or Tobias to know. Though, I have a feeling Danny’s boyfriend does know something, since he doesn’t react to what Danny said. But John…
My best friend pinches his lips shut and doesn’t push.