Page 14 of Bliss: Part 2
“I didn’t save you, kiddo,” he said, voice gruff but kind. “I just did what any decent person would’ve done. You’re the one who held on.”
She looked down at the bear for a long second, her fingers brushing the soft fabric of its little bandana.
“Well,” she said, so softly it was almost a whisper, “I don’t think everyone would’ve helped.”
That shut us all up for a moment.
Kenneth blinked slowly, his jaw working like he had more to say but didn’t know how to say it without it sounding like too much or too little. Finally, he just let out a breath and said, “Well…I’m glad I was there. That’s all.”
Another pause. This one felt easier, though. The tension in the room had relaxed just a notch.
Kenneth turned his attention toward the rest of us. “Didn’t mean to interrupt anything. Just wanted to stop by, see her with my own eyes, and make sure she was doing alright.”
“She’s getting there,” I said, stepping forward to shake his hand briefly. “One step at a time.”
He nodded. “That’s all anyone can do. Anyway. I’ll get out of your way. I’ll be back around if you need anything, alright?” He looked back at Bliss. “You ever want to talk or need anything weird or ridiculous delivered, like a motorcycle magazine or a burger with pickles and jelly on it, you just tell your father to call me. I’ll make it happen.”
A smile touched Bliss’s lips again, and she gave him a small nod. “Okay.”
Kenneth turned and headed back toward the door. Right before he stepped out, he looked back one more time.
“You’re tougher than most grown men I know, Bliss,” he said simply. “Don’t forget that.”
Then he disappeared through the door, pulling it shut gently behind him.
We sat there with the weight of what had been said.
Bliss held the teddy bear in her arms, and she didn’t let go of it the rest of the morning.
Thirty-Five
Bliss
Being back home felt strange at first, but comfort quickly settled in after a few hours.
The few days at the hospital had been bearable, but only because my family was there the whole time. They didn’t leave me alone for more than a few minutes. They didn’t crowd me either. They just existed around me, filling the space with calm instead of questions.
Tia and Tyler came to visit too, and that was also a moment I cherished. They were so sweet and kind, brought me chocolates and a new romance book. I appreciated their visit. It showed that they truly cared.
The forensic exam had been the worst part of the entire ordeal. I knew it was necessary. I knew they were professionals, and they were kind, and they weren’t there to hurt me. But still…I hated every second of it. I hated being touched there again, even if it was just clinical. Even if it was for justice.
I let it happen because I wanted the bastard who did this to pay. I wanted them to catch him. Officer Holloway had looked me in the eye and promised they’d do everything they could. She said they had leads. That they were close. That they just needed this last bit of proof to make it stick.
I nodded along at the time, but deep down, I wasn’t sure what I believed anymore. I hoped she was right.
Back at the house, the guys gave me room to breathe. They didn’t ask questions. They didn’t push. But they were always nearby. Someone was always in the kitchen, or out on the porch, or walking past the hallway just loud enough for me to know I wasn’t alone. If I needed someone, at least one of them would be there.
It helped. More than anything else.
I started therapy.
It didn’t take much convincing to go either. I agreed to go mostly for Dad’s sake. I could see the way he looked at me. He needed to know I was doing something to take care of myself, so I said yes.
And the therapist was fine. She said good things. She listened well. But honestly, nothing she said helped me as much as just sitting on the porch in silence while Dash leaned his shoulder against mine. Or hearing Ashby call me “sweet girl” when he handed me a cup of tea. Or having Tripp sitting by me without saying a word while we read books. Those things made me feel like I could keep going, and the world wasn’t completely ruined.
It didn’t take long before I let myself be close to them again. Dash was the first. He was always around, always watching out for me without making me feel smothered. Two nights ago, I asked him to stay in my bed. I didn’t want to be alone. He didn’t hesitate. He climbed in next to me and just held me. His arm around my waist, his breath steady against the back of my neck.
The second night was the same, only something changed. I turned around to face him. He touched my cheek gently, brushed my hair back. And I leaned in and kissed him like it was the most natural thing. I had missed it, although I had been worried I would never feel this way for them ever again.
