Page 136 of The Rules We Broke
I knew he did, and I loved him, too. “Sometimes love doesn’t conquer all,” I whispered.
She kissed my brow. “But it’s the only thing that conquers hate. Hate has reigned far too long in this town. Are you really going to let it win?”
Was I? Did Brady and I even have any hope of conquering it? I let those questions settle into my soul, not having the answers.
Finally, exhaustion won, and blessed sleep overtook me.
I don’t know how long I slept, but I woke to sunlight filtering through my old frilly curtains—soft, golden, almost mocking in its cheer.
Aunt Lu waltzed in, dressed to the nines, acting as if nothing was amiss.
“Merry Christmas, sugar,” she sang.
I sat up, fingers raking through my tangled hair. “I’m not feeling very merry,” I croaked.
“Well, it’s Christmas,” she said, undeterred. “There are presents to be opened and a phone call to be made.”
She gave me a pointed look.
“That boy loves you. The fool’s been calling me all morning.”
My lips twitched, despite everything. The thought of Brady calling my aunt—relentless, hopeful—made my heart ache in a different way.
“Yeah, well. Loving each other was never our problem,” I murmured. “It’s what it does to everyone else.”
Aunt Lu’s expression softened with regret.
“Ella Lu, I’m sorry I was ever one of those people. But sugar, why are you givingthema say in your life?”
If she’d seen the way Mrs. Jackson looked at me, maybe she’d understand. But she didn’t give me time to explain.
“Get dressed and let’s open some presents. It always makes me feel better.”
I was sure that not even Christmas gifts would make me feel better, but I obeyed.
I threw on jeans and one of my old Auburn sweatshirts. Washed my face. Tried to tame the red-rimmed puffiness around my eyes. It was of no use.
I pulled my hair into a messy bun and called it good.
Downstairs, Aunt Lu sat waiting in the drawing room beside the beautiful tree Brady had helped me decorate.
I didn’t think I had any tears left. But the familiar sting returned.
Did I really want a life without Brady in it?
I sat down next to Aunt Lu, and she handed me a gift—just as the doorbell rang.
I held my breath, desperately hoping it was Brady. And just as desperately hoping it wasn’t. I missed him so much it physically hurt. But I wasn’t sure we could be together. Not yet. Not until I had all the answers.
I started to stand, but Aunt Lu raised her hand.
“I’ll get it.”
“Let me,” I said. “I should be the one taking care of you right now.”
She gave me a look that stopped me cold.
“Ella Lu, I will take care of you until my dying breath.”
