Page 5 of Fractured Grief
I’d grumbled at first, but Levi had set me straight and told me to suck it up and stop whining. It was part of the reason I liked him. He didn’t pussyfoot around. He told the truth and didn’t pander to my sensibilities, unlike so many others who tended to. He also wasn’t intimidated by my size or glare.
He wheeled me back to my room, where I was to wait to meet the physical therapist who would be taking over my case.
Great, another new practitioner to torture me.
Time to get this over with.
Chapter 3
Indy
“Time for breakfast, Haze,” I called up the stairs. She’d been so brave these past few months and was cautiously optimistic about today. After two weeks of getting settled in, we were both ready to start anew.
The sound of her thundering footfalls echoed down the stairs as she came tumbling into the room, already dressed in her favorite T-shirt and jeans.
“Can I have Cocoa Puffs, please, Daddy?”
I looked down at her innocent little face as she hugged my legs and waited for my response. “Those are weekend treats—”
“Buuut it’s the first day of school. I have to start the day yum, so the rest of the day will be fun. Please, Daddy?” she said, drawing out they.
The look she sent me went straight to my heart. This little rascal had me wrapped around her finger.
“Okay, sweetheart. Just for today.” I bent down to kiss the top of her head as she beamed up at me.
“Thank you, Daddy!” Hazel quickly ran around and hopped onto the stool at the kitchen counter, her dark copper waves falling over her slight shoulders. She hadn’t brushed her hair or washed her cute, freckled face yet.
Once she started eating, I finished making some toast for myself and ensured her lunch was packed, and we had everything ready.
“Do you want me to braid your hair or would you like pigtails today?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“Braided, please, Daddy, like Momma.” The sad smile she sent me broke my heart. Lexi had hated her curly hair and always preferred braiding it. Hazel had always been fascinated by Lexi’s long mahogany tresses, even as a baby. They had a tradition of doing each other’s hair, and since Hazel’s had grown well past her shoulders, Lexi loved to do a large braid to match hers. They called themselves the Rapunzel Twins.
It was a learning curve to master braiding, but after watching millions of YouTube videos and observing Lexi over the years, I’d just about perfected it.
“Sure thing, pretty girl. Can you go brush your teeth, then bring me your hairbrush while I finish getting ready?”
“Okay.” She scurried off and up the stairs to do as she was told.
Once Hazel was settled at school, I made my way to my new job. My stomach squirmed with nerves and excitement. I parked in the staff lot and made my way to the outpatient reception area for the Physical Recovery and Resource Center to wait for my intake instructor, Carol.
Carol had been on the Skype interview and was the one who had called me to offer me the job. She’d mentioned being head of the department and would be my go-to as I started and found my feet.
Of all the possible positions I’d applied for, this one had been the first choice for Lexi and me. The insurance, employment package, and temporary housing had blown us away. I remembered the look on Lexi’s face as if it were yesterday. The hope that had twinkled in her eyes and the weight that had seemed to visibly lift off her at being able to finally start our new lives.
The stress of being trapped in our hometown had worn on both of us, especially Lex. She’d been thrown out of her home, family, and pretty much publicly shamed for getting pregnant at sixteen. Even after we got married, in an attempt to try and appease the town—and for the added security—we were still treated like pariahs, mostlydue to her parents’ standing in the church. No one dared go against Lexi’s mom, Mrs. Boseman. She held so much power and influence over the community. I still didn’t understand how that had worked.
Lexi had found it hard to go down the street without someone turning their back on her. She was strong and never let the distress show on her face, but at home with me, she’d break. The tears of hurt and heartache would all fall as we navigated parenting a baby at seventeen. Nevertheless, she was determined, headstrong, and powered through it all, knowing we were fighting to get out one day. We had to.
It broke my heart that she never got to escape.
Shaking off my melancholy, I took a moment to center myself. I could do this; this is what I’d been working toward for the last six years—longer, really. I strode inside and took in the bright and welcoming waiting area. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting. It was calming, welcoming, and...hopeful?
The blue-and-white walls held actual paintings, likely all done by different people, since none of them matched. The wall behind the reception desk was a warm yellow with bold, stylized sunflowers painted all over. The receptionist herself radiated sunshine, and with an infectious smile you couldn’t help but return.
“Hi, there. I’m Megan. How can I help you today?” She beamed at me.
“Hi, Megan. I’m Indiana Clark. I’m the new hire, and I have a meeting with Carol Redcliffe.”
