Page 12 of Ember’s Heart

Colton

I stood there, watching as Ember retreated inside. The echo of the door slamming shut behind her ringing in my ears.

I didn’t miss the look on Owen’s face when he saw me.

I watch as he walks toward me. He’s taller than I remembered.

With a six-year age gap between us, I never knew him as well as I knew Garrett and Cade.

Back then, he was just the kid brother, always getting into trouble like his siblings.

The last time I spoke to Cade, he mentioned Owen was majoring in digital media and getting ready to finish his junior year.

“Colton,” he said, his voice flat.

“Owen,” I replied, keeping my voice neutral.

He stopped a few feet away, assessing me with his eyes. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

“It’s good to see you, O,” I said, meeting his gaze, referring to his nickname we all called him when he was younger.

“You hurt her,” he said, his voice low and not acknowledging me saying it was good to see him. “You hurt her bad. And it’s Owen.”

Ouch. Ok that kinda hurt.

“I know I did,” I said, the words heavy with regret. “And I’m trying to fix that.”

“Trying?” he scoffed. “After all this time? You think you can just waltz back in here and fix everything?”

“No,” I admitted. “I know it’s not going to be easy. But I’m going to try. I owe her that much.”

He was quiet for a minute before saying, “You know Cade said you went through something. He always said to go easy on you, but he wasn’t here to witness the devastation you caused Ember.

She thought something happened to you.” He paused for a moment.

“When you didn’t write back. She thought you were dead, man.

” He gave me a disgusted look, shaking his head. “How could you do that to her?”

Hearing what Owen was saying made me feel so ashamed of myself. “I know, Owen. I’m so sorry.”

Owen’s expression softened slightly, a flicker of something like understanding in his eyes.

“Look, I always liked you, Colton. When I was the annoying kid tagging along with his older brothers and their friends, you were always cool. But I saw how much it hurt her. I don’t want to see that happen again. ”

He paused, his gaze searching mine. “But…” he sighed heavily, “if you’re serious about fixing things, about making it right… then I’m rooting for you. I just want to see my sister happy. And right now I know she’s not.”

I looked him right in the same colored eyes Ember had, “I promise I’m going to do everything I can,” I said as I held my hand out to him.

He took a step closer, his eyes intense. “Just don’t screw up again,” he said, as he reached out to shake my hand.

As I was turning to leave, Owen yelled out, “Oh hey, Colton?” I turned back to him. “If you want to get on her good side, she stops and gets a daily coffee over at Rose’s Bean and Brew, and she volunteers her time for Habitat for Humanity,” he said with a sly grin.

Returning his grin, I nodded and thanked him before getting in my truck and pulling out.

I couldn’t help the big smile I had on my face. Thanks to Owen I have a plan on getting my Firefly to forgive me.