Page 102 of Broken Pieces

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Raelynn

There are birds chirping outside my window and I wish I had a shotgun to shoot them down and their damn cheerful melody.

It’s been two weeks since Brooks was arrested.

Two weeks without his body wrapped around me at night.

Two weeks without his scent infiltrating my senses.

Two weeks without a feeling in my body.

I thought it was bad when Logan beat me up.

I was wrong.

I thought it was bad when I lost Tyler.

I was wrong.

Even the death of my parents can’t compare to the ugly ache residing inside of me that I can’t shake.

It eats me alive every day.

I go to work like I am supposed to do every day. I make pastries for the diner. I cook breakfast for the guests at the B&B. But I am dead inside. And I can’t find a way to feel even an ounce of livelihood.

Brooks violated his probation when he beat up Derrick’s brother, who I never met before. He was sentenced to two weeks in jail. Which according to Brett wasn’t bad. Mostly because he’s had good behavior the last two and a half years.

I try not to think about it.

I try not to care.

But that gaping hole in my chest is my own worst enemy and I won’t let it go.

After I finish up my last shift in the kitchen at the B&B, I head back to the cottage to pack my things.

He is supposed to come back today. But I can’t face him. I don’t know if I ever will be able to. My heart is playing tricks on me. It’s telling me I still love him despite the truth I found out.

But I can’t let my heart win.

Not this time.

No matter if he was the one to heal it. To show me that there is life beyond tragedy.

But this is a tragedy I cannot get past.

And I cannot be here when he gets back.

I look at the clock. It’s half past three. Brett left to pick him up from the county jail an hour ago, so I know they will be home soon.

I zip the last of my clothes into a bag when I hear a knock on the door. I duck out of Brooks’ room, doing my final glance to make sure I didn’t forget anything before I head to the door.

Easton told me he would be here as soon as he could but probably not until four. I hoped he would get here early, so I don’t risk crossing paths with Brooks.

I make the mistake of not checking the peephole before opening the door.

I open it and turn around without even looking to see who it is since I assume it’s Easton. “Let me grab my bags,” I yell over my shoulder.

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