Page 163 of Breaking Point
Parked, heading to terminal three
No sooner do I read the words I’m jumping out of my car, grabbing the small backpack I prepared and rushing for the terminal, all the while biting the inside of my cheek to stop myself from crying.
I won’t be surprised if I draw blood.
It’s easy to spot the trio because they’re a large lump of limbs and bodies squished together, suffocating Layla in a large hug. I don’t hesitate to join.
Mrs. Carson hiccups as she lifts her arm and pulls me in face-to-face with Layla.
Now we’re both suffocating.
“Charlotte, dear, we have to let her go,” Tim, Mr. Carson, says gently.
Charlotte shakes her head, tears dripping down her cheeks. “I won’t see my baby for a year. Don’t rush me.”
“It’s okay, Dad, I have a couple more minutes.”
Stepping out of the embrace, Mr. Carson joins me, giving Layla and her mom a moment. Mrs. Carson whispers in her ear, and whatever she says has tears springing into Layla’s icy blue eyes.
“She’ll be okay,” I whisper, not only for Mr. Carson but for myself.
A sad smile stretches across his lips. “It can only go up from here.”
I nod, knowing Tim’s signature saying. It’s the thing that got them through Layla’s medical journey.
I never have the heart to tell him I don’t agree.
Layla’s lower lip is wobbling by the time her mom finally lets her go. As our gazes lock over Mrs. Carson’s head, her hair the same fiery red as Layla’s, the pair of us burst into tears.
So much for not crying.
Rushing for her, we envelope each other in a hug.
“You need to call and text me every day!”
“Like I could go a day without talking to you.”
Clinging to her a little tighter, I whisper, “I mean it, Lil. I want to know everything, no sugarcoating anything.” I pause. “Not with me.”
I know she’ll make her parents believe that they didn’t waste their retirement. No matter what happens, she’s going to sing her praises about it. But I don’t want the watered-down version, I want it all. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
“I promise.”
Pulling back reluctantly, I shove the backpack between us. “Here, a little piece of home to take with you.”
Her eyes widen. “What did you do?”
I wave her off, indicating the bag again. “Just take it.”
Gingerly, she takes the backpack and slowly zips it open. She gasps, shaking her head in disbelief at what’s inside. “B…”
I shrug, feeling my cheeks heat at the warmth filling her eyes. “It’s just a pack of your favorites.” Clasping my hands behind my back, I mutter, “And a Kindle.”
I stuffed it full of all her favorites. Skincare masks, eyepatches, candy and chocolate, as well as her most burned candle. Everything she usually gets as a spoiled treat is in there.
Along with the Kindle. Watching her try to choose which books to take, the sadness in her eyes, had my heart twisting painfully, and I knew she wouldn’t ask her parents for more money.
A new tear rolls down Layla’s cheek. “I-I don’t know what to say.”
