Page 141 of That Last Secret

“Can you just text the group chat I have pinned at the top and let my brothers know? I can’t call them right now.” The last words come out with a strangled voice as I wipe another tear from my cheeks. “Just tell them there’s been an accident and they need to get here. Make sure you tell them I’m fine and that it’s…” I can’t even find it in me to say his name.

“Are you sure you want me to do that?” she asks, knowing I don’t even need to say anything more.

I nod a few times. “Yes. I need them here.”

As much as I know I need everyone here, I don’t know how I’m going to tell them that their best friend is dead.

Or that I’ve been having a relationship with him being their back.

That I’m carrying his child now.

I lay down in bed and close my eyes before I send myself spiraling again while Brooke sends the text message. She takes a seat on the chair at the opposite end of the room, giving me some time to myself but being close enough if I need her.

My hands wrap around my stomach.

There’s a life growing inside of me now.

A life that’s made half of me and half of him. Tears flow again, and I can feel my pillow soak them all up.

I don’t know how I’m going to survive this life without him.

But I know I need to do this for the baby.

Ihaveto do this.

All our phoneschime and vibrate simultaneously on the kitchen counter. None of us move from our seats because we all probably have the same idea that the family group chat is going off since Emiline is at work.

Peyton is the only one to reach for hers.

“Guys.” Her voice sounds pained.

My head whips in her direction, and I can’t help but notice her face is ashen. A look of sheer terror engulfs her features, as if the words she just read have altered the course of our lives.

“Babe,” I say as I jump from the couch, reaching for her. “What is it? Is everything okay?”

My hands grip her shoulders, forcing her to look me in the eyes.

No one around us moves as they wait for answers.

“It’s… it’s…” Her lips tremble as she looks up at me, blinking several times before finally speaking. “It’s Logan.”

Marc springs from his seat on the couch and Oliver circles the room. Each of them positioning themselves directly behind me, a silent show of solidarity.

“Em texted all of us in a group chat. Well, it’s not her. It’s her friend with her phone.” She holds up her phone to show us.

Emiline

This is Brooke. Emiline’s friend. I saw this thread pinned to the top of her messages and wanted to let you know there’s been… an accident. Emiline is ok, just shaken up. But she said to tell you that it’s Logan.

I’m sorry to send this via text, but she told me to. He’s been in a terrible car accident. You need to get here right away.

I can feel the blood drain from my face.

My best friend. Who’s like a brother to me. Heisa brother to me.

My chest feels tight. I bring my hand up to rub it to ease the ache that’s building in my ribcage.

My best fucking friend.

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