Page 92 of My Destiny

“Of course.”

“I can get them myself,” Brooke says, standing.

“Sit.” I point to the sofa and smile when she does what I ask. She doesn’t look pleased, but I’m not bothered by that. Part of the reason I decided to stay home was to make sure she rested and didn’t overdo things. “What do you want to watch,” I say, flicking through the channels.

“I might just listen to my iPod.”

When she goes to stand again, I raise an eyebrow. “Where is it?”

“In our room, on the dresser.” Turning, I walk in that direction.

By the time I return, Jill is beside her, fluffing a pillow before placing it down on the sofa. “Thanks, Jill,” I say. “I’ll take it from here.” I like the fact that Jill looks after Brooke just as well as she does me, but when I’m here, I want to be the one caring for her. “Lie down,” I command.

Shaking the blanket out, I place it over her before tucking it around her sides. “I only have a concussion you know.”

“A severe one,” I add.

Pulling the iPod out of my pocket, I pass it to her. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She smiles, as she places the earplugs in her ears. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“No thanks, I’m good.”

“I’ll leave you to it, then.”

She smiles up at me before pressing play. She closes her eyes, so I stand there watching her. A smile tugs at her lips as I do. I see her hand tap down on the blanket to the beat of the tune, and if I’m not mistaken, a calmness washes over her.

She’s so engrossed in the song, she doesn’t even realise I’m still standing here. I’m transfixed. Minutes pass before one of her eyes opens, and she spots me. “What?” she asks, pulling one of the plugs out and pausing the song she’s listening to. “Did you say something?”

“No. I’m just watching you. You look like you’re lost in the music.”

“Music does that to me. It’s good for my soul.” My smile grows when she says that. “It’s great for clearing your mind.”

“I could use some of that,” I say, shoving my hands into my pocket. I barely slept a wink last night. A multitude of fucked up images from that night kept flashing through my mind.

She pulls back the blanket and taps the space beside her. I have so much work to do, but that can wait. Right now, I’d rather be here beside her.

Slipping out of my shoes, I lie down beside her. She covers me with the other half of the blanket before passing me one of her earbuds. Once I place it in my ear, she restarts the music. “Close your eyes,” she says as she reaches for my hand, lacing her fingers through mine.

Trying to clear my mind, I focus on the words of the song. It takes a little while, but for the first time in days, I feel myself starting to relax.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

Brooke

Tears cloud my eyes as I do a final read-through of the letter I’ve written to Jake’s parents. It may be the coward’s way out, but just contemplating calling them made me anxious. Sure, they loved me once, but I have no idea what their thoughts are of me since everything happened.

It’s shorter and more direct than I would’ve liked, but I know all too well that no words will ever be enough to comfort them or take away the pain they’re feeling. I’ve been there with my mother. I’m not even sure if his parents know about the drugs or the reasons behind me leaving, but no good can come from bringing that up or pointing the finger. They’re grieving the loss of their only son, and I don’t want to add to their pain. I still can’t believe he’s gone. I know it was his own bad choices that ultimately lead to his demise, but it still breaks my heart that his life ended so horrifically.

“There you are,” Logan says, startling me as he comes to a stop just inside the doorway. I can see the concern etched on his face. “I woke up and you weren’t there.”

Bowing my head, I quickly wipe the tears from my eyes. “I couldn’t sleep, so I came down here because I didn’t want to wake you. I hope you don’t mind me using your office.”

“Of course not. Are you okay?”

“Yes. I took your advice and decided to write Jake’s parents a letter.”

“At two in the morning?”