Page 63 of This Blood That Binds Us

The group of sharply dressed, sweaty men met me with blank faces.

“Seriously, give us five minutes, please?”

They finally retreated, and I leaned down next to Luke. “It’s going to be okay. You’re safe.”

He pulled his hands to his head and covered his eyes. His body rocked with each stifled sob. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I can’t do this. ..”

I was careful not to touch him.

“Do you want me to get Presley? I think I saw him—”

“No! No. I just need a second. I need a second.” He buried his head into his knees, exhaling. “I just need it to stop.”

“You’re okay. Everything is okay,” I said. I tried to keep my voice low, but the music echoed in the hallway.

“I need my brother. I need—”

The door swung open, the thumping of the music shaking the walls.

Zach appeared, his eyes full of panic. “Hey, I’m here. I’m here.”

I backed up and let him sit next to his brother. He sat on the floor, and Luke held out his hand for Zach to grab.

“I saw her. I saw her.” I could barely make out Luke’s voice among the sobs. “She was here. She’s in my head again...”

“She isn’t here.” Zach dug his hand into his pocket and pulled out a piece of gum. “Come on, chew on this. Focus on the taste.”

Luke pushed his hand away, but Zach persisted. “Come on. It’s gonna help. This will pass.”

Luke took the piece of gum and buried his face into his knees. “She was here. I felt it. Maybe they’re here somewhere...We need to check.”

Zach gripped his hand and whispered, “They aren’t here. We’re okay. She can’t find us.”

I’d never seen Zach so soft or Luke so vulnerable. It reminded me of the feeling I got when I’d taken the picture of the family in the hospital. Their love for each other felt tangible, so strong I could reach out and touch it.

Zach looked up, as if he had forgotten my existence. “Thanks for keeping him company. I think I’ve got it from here.”

The dark circles under Zach’s eyes revealed a man worn beyond all recognition. They told thousands of stories all at once. I didn’t know what the twins had been through, but I knew it was something that must have never touched Aaron or Presley. I was starting to truly realize why Zach and Luke had kept secrets from their little brothers.

Zach gave me a shy smile before the door swung open again. A few guys and their girlfriends stopped to stare at us.

“Hey, give us like ten minutes, okay? Then we’ll be out of your hair,” Zach said.

One random guy huffed. “We’ve been waiting! You can’t—”

“Dude, does it look like I give a shit? Get the fuck out!” He grabbed an empty beer bottle and chucked it at the door. Its shattering spilled all over the floor, leaving remnants twinkling in the hallway’s dim lights.

He sighed, turning his attention back to me. “Sorry.”

“Let me know if you need any help.” I smiled and walked back toward the door.

As I opened it, the same group tried to walk past me.

“I swear to fucking god, if you try to walk in here again, before that ten minutes is up, I will kick your fucking ass. Stay the fuck out!”

I eased past them, and they reluctantly closed the door.

“Ugh. I hate that guy,” they complained, planting their feet firmly by the door.