Page 13

HEATH

L eaving her there hurts like hell but it’s the last step.

All I want to do is clean her up, hold her, kiss her, but she needs to know how it feels to be used and left just as I have felt.

After this she will be broken because I know she already feels like she’s not good enough. She hates being left, always has.

I stomp out of the old house and make my way to my truck. I need to get away. Getting inside I immediately check my phone and find my dad texted and so did Rex.

Dad:

Can you grab me some soup? And if possible, something for your siblings.

Rex:

How did it go?

I let my dad know I will grab the food. Luckily, he just texted me five minutes ago so I can still do it in a decent amount of time.

I reply to Rex who texted an hour ago and tell him it went fine.

No one needs details. I toss my phone to the side and start up my truck.

First, I need to get the soup for my dad and food for Teaghan and Crew.

I think they should be okay with pizza because I’m not cooking anything.

Better yet, I could pick up their favorite Wendy’s orders.

I reverse out the driveway and head back into Grimstone.

I get the soup for my dad first and then run by Wendy’s to get their food.

It doesn’t take me long to arrive at our triple wide trailer that sits on its own little two acres of land.

I still remember the day dad replaced our single wide with this house, it was a big surprise for mom.

The single wide now sits further back on the property and I live in it alone.

I park in front of my dad’s trailer and grab all the bags then head inside. “You’re back.” Teaghan beams from the couch.

“Here’s your food.” I hand her the bags from Wendy’s. Teaghan’s eyes widen as a smile creep onto her face.

“One is Crew’s. Where’s Dad?” I close the front door and walk through the living room to place the soup on the dining table.

“His room.” I nod and go into the kitchen.

I work to prepare Dad’s soup and start his coffee for in the morning.

I place the soup in the microwave and find Crew and Teaghan’s lunch boxes.

Unfortunately, this school system feels they are so high and mighty we either have to pay a weekly fee for lunch which is twenty dollars or bring our own.

There was no way our parents would or could pay eighty dollars a month per kid.

I place their lunch boxes on the counter and begin to work through the kitchen to find something for them to take for lunch.

“Teaghan, can you take the soup to Dad?” I call out once the microwave starts beeping.

“Of course, I’ll have him take his meds too.

” She smiles and starts to prepare his dinner tray.

She’s always been so kind and helpful in these situations.

She’s so much like mom, always believing things will get better and has such a positive outlook on things.

Even though she’s fifteen and knows what’s going on she stays happy and hopeful. I admire her for that.

“Thanks Tea.” She smiles at me, and I turn back around looking at the items I found. Looks like they will get some sandwiches, a granola bar, fruit cup, and some chips. It’s not much but it’s what we have. I’ll see if I can pick up some groceries tomorrow.

I make sure to fix Crew three peanut butter and banana sandwiches and add in a protein bar of Dad’s on top of his granola bar, red Doritos, and an orange fruit cup.

Teaghan gets three ham and mayo sandwiches with all the same sides, but I also add in ten bucks because I know her softball team loves to go out for frozen yogurt after practice on Fridays and she’s had to turn down going the last couple of times.

I close both lunch bags and put them in the fridge for tomorrow.

“Dad is eating now.”

“Good. Your lunches are ready to go in the morning and so is dad’s coffee.” Teaghan nods, walking closer to me.

“Heath, are you leaving?” She asks, sounding hopeful. I know she would prefer me to stay here in this house, but I like having my own spot.

“Yeah, I’m hanging with some friends actually.

” I tell her, hoping it will ease the pain.

If she knew I was seeing Autumn, she would want to see her.

The breakup didn’t only affect me, but Tea really liked Autumn, and I know she texts her from time to time but it was better when she was around. Teaghan misses her.

“Please be careful.” She wraps her arms around me.

“I will Tea. Now go get ready for bed.” I smooth her hair down as she continues to hug me. She lets go reluctantly, and heads to the other side of the house where her and Crew’s rooms are. I let out a breath preparing myself, trying to switch off my brother mode.

Now that everything is handled here, I can finally head out. I walk out of the house now back in the mindset to deal with Autumn, but first I need a drink.