Page 44 of Fighting Shadows

Zander stands from his seat, stretching his arms over his head, and flashes me a panty-melting smile. “I’m going to ask the nurse if she has an estimated time for your discharge. I want to get some things sorted at home for you before you come home.”

“I like that,” I smile widely at him, “Will you get the boys?”

“Already arranging it,” Brenn says, his feet still rooted to the spot at the head of my bed.

It’s strange seeing him there rather than Dad, but it’s comforting to have him near, even though I know he’s still there. If the lingering stares are anything to go by, he has a good view of Aidan.

Zander leaves the room, the door clicking shut behind him.

“The boys?” Noah asks, his brow furrowed.

“The bestest boys.” I smile. Even just thinking about them both makes me happy, “A very cuddly husky and an overprotective rescue pup who I love so so so much.”

“We love dogs,” Noah smiles, elbowing his oblivious brother in the ribs, “don’t we?”

“Who doesn’t love dogs, you weirdo,” Aidan laughs.

The door swings open, and a very disheveled-looking Shan appears in the doorway.

“You are a sight for sore eyes,” her voice cracks as she approaches my bed.

Tobias stands from his spot, offering her his seat by my side.

“Thank you,” I mouth to him.

“We’ll give you both some space,” he says, kissing my forehead and ushering the others out with a very disgruntled Dominic, who is muttering about not trusting anyone but them with me, earning him a glare from Shan and a slap on the back of the head from Brenn.

“Watch it, D. I gave up the love of my life because she betrayed our girl,” Shan barks at him, no longer afraid of him. I can see the heartbreak on her face, though, the bags under her eyes, and the tears that are making tracks down her face.

She may hate Ellie for what she’s done, but it’s broken her to do so. My brother, too; Brenn just hides it better.

“I’ll be fine, Dominic. Please, I need some time with my friend.”

“I’m your friend,” he pouts.

“Yes, one of my best ones, but this one is female, and I need girl talk. We both do.” I level him with my best no-nonsense stare and breathe a breath of relief when he nods and closes the door behind him.

I’m not a fool, though; they won’t go far, only far enough that they could still hear me if I were to shout for help. I’ll take it, not wanting them to go too far with how raw I’m feeling.

“So…”

Chapter 22

Autumn

‘I’m Not Okay – Citizen Soldier’

“So…” I mutter, unease sitting in my stomach. I don’t know what to say to the only friend I have left.

“I’m glad you are okay.”

“Me too.”

“Are you? Okay, I mean?” she asks, her head hung, staring at her shoes as if they were the most exciting thing in the world.

“I guess so. It’s not great that I’ve ended up here again because Ihatehospitals now,” I laugh, “but I’m sad and confused.”

Shan lifts her head to look at me. I hate how broken she seems.

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